Nov 29, 2007 6:55 pm US/Eastern
Arrest Made In Westchester Cross Burning
CORTLANDT, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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This picture of a burning cross was taken by the victims from their front lawn. The Artope family found the cross last Wednesday night.
CBS
CBS 2 has learned of major developments Thursday in the cross-burning incident in Northern Westchester. The son of the victimized family of hate crimes has been charged with assault for a school fight that apparently provoked the cross burning and a later car vandalism incident. Meanwhile, cops have arrested one of the family's neighbors, charging him as the perpetrator in the hideous hate crimes directed at African-American family.
An alleged act of hateful vengeance could put Christopher Hudak, 21, behind bars for four years. State police say Hudak built the cross that burned on his neighbor's lawn, terrorizing the Artope family on Thanksgiving Eve.
"We can't blame it on a prank. It's a very serious matter, especially for African-Americans. It's a symbol of hate for us," said victim Clara Montague-Artope.
The Artopes told CBS 2 that on the day of the cross burning, their son Timothy was in an ugly dispute at Hendrick Hudson High School with Hudak's sister and two other girls.
Police say there was shoving and racially charged language in the exchange. Investigators believe the cross burning was Hudak's retaliation.
"No family, individual, or persons should be subjected to or should have to tolerate any act of hate," said New York State Police Captain Keith Corlett.
Outside of court on Thursday, Hudak's mother refused to comment. A relative at the family home in Cortlandt Manor ordered reporters off their property.
State police searched the Hudak home and found building materials, tools and a couple of computers, all of which were seized and sent to a crime lab for analysis.
The arrest caps a difficult week for the Artopes, who have been accused in internet chat rooms of having staged the cross burning themselves.
"It was bothersome, even though we knew what the real case was. I'm happy they found someone," said Wesley Artope.
The prosecutor said Hudak threatened to kill a friend he told about the crime. Hudak was hit with nine restraining orders and forced to stay away from the Artope family.
Students at Hendrick Hudson High School provided vital information that let to the arrest. Hudak is a recent drop out from Westchester Community College, police said.
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