For Immediate Release: Hatboro Woman Charged With Ethnic Intimidation And Harassment Following Disturbance At Hatboro Restaurant

Hatboro, PA (March 3, 2023) – Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Hatboro Police Chief James E. Gardner announce that Rita Bellew, 55, of Hatboro PA has been charged via summons with Ethnic Intimidation and Harassment following a disturbance that occurred on February 23, 2023 at Amy’s Family Pizzeria in the 300 block of South York Road in Hatboro.

Hatboro Police were dispatched to the restaurant on February 23, 2023 approximately 5:55 PM for a report of a disturbance. Police de-escalated the disturbance involving Bellew and leaned that an employee video recorded Bellew prior to police arriving. The video shows Bellew berating the staff of the restaurant with a profane, racially fueled tirade. Bellew was apparently triggered, at least in part, by a Spanish broadcast being shown on television in the restaurant.

Charges of Ethnic Intimidation and Harassment were filed today at the office of Magisterial District Judge Paul N. Leo and Bellew will be required to answer to those charges. The date and time of a Preliminary Hearing will be scheduled by the court. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tanner Beck.