Teen accused of anti-gay hate crime

Frank Carney, a 16-year-old from Bellmore, was arrested on Nov. 6 and charged with committing a hate crime in Merrick, police said.

According to authorities, a dark Nissan pulled up in front of a 22-year-old man walking on Alice Avenue in Merrick. Two people got out of the car, one armed with a knife, and began to chase the man, yelling anti-gay slurs.

The victim rang the doorbell of an Alice Avenue home, and the assailants returned to the car and drove off. Police said the investigation led them to Carney, who was charged with second-degree menacing as a hate crime, an E felony, and second-degree aggravated harassment.

Details regarding Carney's bail were not released because he is considered a youthful offender. He was scheduled to return to court on Nov. 10. Details of that appearance were also held.

Police officials said the investigation is still open and ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.