North Miami Beach, Florida — A woman is facing multiple criminal charges after police say she launched an unprovoked attack on a Jewish man inside a Target store’s Starbucks café in North Miami Beach, with investigators alleging the assault was motivated by hatred.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon and was stopped only after bystanders intervened to protect the victim from further harm.
Police Say Victim Was Targeted While Sitting at Starbucks
According to the North Miami Beach Police Department, the incident happened at approximately 2:40 p.m. Sunday inside the Target store located at 14075 Biscayne Blvd.
Investigators said the victim was sitting alone in the in-store Starbucks while wearing a yarmulke, a traditional Jewish head covering.
Police allege that Chyvonne Juanita Palmer, 43, suddenly stood up from another seating area, approached the man, and began yelling at him without any prior interaction.
The victim later said the encounter was completely unexpected.
“I wasn’t looking for problems. Didn’t interact with her before. It was completely unprovoked,” he said.
Suspect Allegedly Used Cellphone and Metal Chair
According to the arrest report, Palmer allegedly struck the victim twice with a cellphone before briefly returning to her seat.
Investigators said she then stood up again, this time carrying a metal chair, and allegedly attempted to continue the assault. The victim described the cellphone as large and heavy, saying it felt almost “like half a brick.”
A witness told police that Palmer repeatedly shouted “I hate them” during the confrontation, a statement investigators cited in describing the alleged motive for the attack.
Witnesses Helped Victim Escape
Police credited two bystanders with helping prevent the situation from escalating further.
According to investigators, one witness intervened to stop Palmer, while another escorted the victim into the men’s restroom, where he remained until officers arrived.
Their actions helped separate the victim from the suspect before additional injuries could occur.
Authorities have not reported any serious physical injuries resulting from the incident.
Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges
Responding officers took Palmer into custody at the scene. She has been charged with:
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with prejudice
- Disorderly conduct
According to police, officers attempted to interview Palmer after her arrest, but they said her statements were inconsistent and unrelated to the reported incident.
Investigators noted that she repeatedly spoke about an unidentified woman she claimed wanted to attack her.
Investigation Continues
As of Monday, online jail records showed Palmer was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with her bond yet to be determined.
The case remains under investigation, and prosecutors will determine how the charges proceed through the court system.
Like all criminal defendants, Palmer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe more security measures are needed to address hate-motivated incidents in public places? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
