Man arrested on charges of ethnic intimidation, assault at South Hills Village mall

Police were called to the scene at the Red Robin Restaurant at the South Hills Village for an assault occurring at the bar.

When officers arrived, they found the victim, Ankur Mehta, who directed them to the suspect who was detained by police.

The man was identified as Jeffrey Burgess, 54.

Police said Burgess spoke with slurred speech and was staggering and smelled of alcohol.

Mehta told police that Burgess was seated next to him at the bar. Mehta was on his tablet with earbuds in his ears.

Burgess allegedly began making racial and ethnic epithets and told Mehta that “things are different now” and “I don’t want you sitting next to me. You people.”

Burgess then used an ethnic slur commonly used against those of Middle Eastern descent. But Mehta is not of Middle Eastern descent, he is Indian.

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reached out to several Indian organizations and temples but no one was available to comment.

However, since Burgess thought his victim was Muslim, the Council on American-Islamic Relations did comment.

In a written statement, CAIR said, “We believe this is just the latest incident in spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes since the November 8 elections”.

The criminal complaint says Burgess beat Mehta in the head and face with his elbow and fist, “launched an unprovoked attack on the victim as he was seated at the bar, beat him physically,” Bethel Park police Chief Timothy O’Connor said.

Mehta was oblivious to the comments until Burgess allegedly struck him in the face with his elbow multiple times. Witnesses told police Burgess grabbed Mehta by the head and punched him. Witnesses also said Mehta was defenseless and unaware of Burgess’s impending attack.

Mehta was taken to St. Clair Hospital and with a loose tooth and a cut to his upper lip.

Burgess was arrested for ethnic intimidation, simple assault, harassment and public drunkenness.