Darien Man Threatens Store Manager: Police

DARIEN, IL — A Darien man was arrested after threatening a manager shortly before noon last Friday at Walgreens, 7516 Cass Ave., according to a police report. The man was identified as Ali Akel, 42, who faces a charge of disorderly conduct. Management told police that Akel was asked to leave the store. Akel was released and given a date to appear in court.

Nearly a decade ago, Akel was charged with aggravated battery, marijuana possession and a hate crime after an altercation in Woodridge involving two men.

Prosecutors alleged Akel used a racial slur and then attacked one of them as they waited in line at a gas station. The victims were reported to be African American. Akel was later convicted of a federal hate crime violation in connection with the charges. He was sentenced to two years of probation, according to court records.