By STEPHANIE TSOFLIAS pix11.com | @lifeofareporter

10:01 p.m. EST, February 7, 2012
RAMAPO, NJ (PIX11)—
Ramapo police have arrested three people in connection to a hate crime against the Jewish community.

Quesi-Van Jesi Willams of Brooklyn, Joseph Stanley, of Suffern and Jennifer St. Amand of Suffern were walking along Grove Street midnight last night when they attack a 19 year old Yeshiva student.

Police say Williams and Stanley noticed the victim walking and struck him in the head with a knife that was inside a case and tried to rob him of cash. Instead, the victim turned around and screamed for help. That is when, police say the two men jumped into a car, driven by St. Amand, and drove off.

Some time later, police tracked down one of the suspects less than a mile away from the scene and he led investigators to St. Amand's home.

"Based on what I know, their intention was to commit robbery and target a Jewish person," said Captain Wydell.

The victim, who spoke exclusively on camera to PIX 11 today, said he believed he was targeted because of his religion. Monsey, New York is predominately made up of members of the Jewish Orthodox community. When he was attacked, the victim says he was wearing a traditional wardrobe.

All three suspects are being held on bail. They are being charged with Robbery in the 1st degree and assault in the second degree. The victim did not suffer injuries.