Surveillance video has been released of an attack outside of the Fort Pierce Islamic Center on July 2.
25-year-old Taylor Anthony Mazzanti is accused of striking a man wearing Middle Eastern clothing known as galabyyia.
The victim told investigators that he had locked himself outside of his vehicle while at the mosque.
He said the suspect showed up, began questioning him, demanded identification and then got upset and aggressive.
The victim said the man cursed at him and punched him in the face, knocking out a tooth.
Detectives say Mazzanti admitted punching the victim because he thought the was breaking into vehicles. However, they note that he did not call law enforcement. They also said that he made statements to the victim about going back to his country to pray.
Mazzanti was initially charged with aggravated assault/battery.
The sheriff's office is now sending their reports to the State Attorney's Office to decide if Mazzanti's charges should be upgraded to felony battery.
