MANORVILLE, Long Island (WABC) — A Long Island police detective has been suspended and faces criminal charges, including a hate crime, for assaulting a cell technician and using a racial slur.

“He started with his racial slurs, tirades and calling me out,” said field technician Derick Anhwere. “Then he used… you know what? The ‘N word’ and then at that point he came back. He ripped off my amber light.”

It was an unsettling encounter that this cell phone technician says he wasn’t expecting.

“He reached over my window, which was rolled down, and then he opened the door, and he got into the vehicle and I say, ‘what are you doing?’ He says, ‘shut up,’” Anhwere said.

Anhwere, who did not want his face shown for fear of reprisal, talks about Rockville Center police officer John Murphy.

The 40-year-old detective, with more than 10 years on the force, surrendered and was charged with crimes including hate crimes and aggravated harassment.

Suffolk County police say Murphy harassed Anhwere, who is black, on Nov. 3 while working in Murphy’s Manorville neighborhood.

“He used a racial slur and kicked the vehicle door causing damage,” “He also tore the light off the car and threw it at the victim. The light broke and a piece hit the victim.

Suffolk County Police’s Hate Crime Task Force says video shows Murphy harassing the worker.

Murphy pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. He said nothing to reporters’ questions as he left the Central Islip courthouse Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Murphy, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, identified himself as a police officer and refused to look at the worker’s record.

Suffolk officials condemned the officer’s alleged behavior.

“I don’t care about your status in life, and this gentleman happened to be a detective in another police department, but that doesn’t excuse hate,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

“Now I’m more worried. I’ve become the opposite of that – being helpful,” Anhwere said. “I’m more scared because I don’t know what kind of intent someone is coming up with because of what he did to me.”

The command has been disabled.

———-

* More Long Island news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for the latest news

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a news tip or idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If you attach a video or photo, terms of use apply.