4th Man Charged In Fight At Des Plaines Mosque: Police

DES PLAINES, IL — A fourth man has been charged following a large fight at the Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines that previously led to three arrests and the recovery of multiple firearms from a vehicle, police said.

Abdulmalik Ghaffar, 23, of Skokie, was charged with felony counts of mob action and aggravated battery in connection with the Aug. 28 at the religious institution located at 480 Potter Road, according to a Des Plaines Police Department report.

Police were called to the mosque at around 11:45 p.m. Aug. 28 for a report of a large fight. While officers were responding, they learned that most of those involved had left in a black BMW and a black Tesla, according to the latest police report.

As previously reported by Patch, officers stopped one of the vehicles and found multiple firearms. Three men — Amin Asir, 21, of Morton Grove; Faisal Khan, 23, of Skokie; and Abdulrahim Ghaffar, 24, of Skokie — were charged following the initial investigation.

RELATED: 3 Charged After Fight At Des Plaines Mosque; Guns Found In BMW: Police

Police said investigators later identified Abdulmalik Ghaffar as a fourth person involved in the confrontation.

Witnesses told officers that Ghaffar got out of the black Tesla, chased the victim and struck him, according to police. Ghaffar then allegedly returned to the Tesla and left.

Officers attempted to contact Ghaffar at his residence and by cellphone but were initially unable to reach him, police said.

On Sept. 2, Ghaffar went to the Des Plaines Police Department and turned himself in regarding the incident.

The Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines, also known as ICCD Masjid, has operated in Des Plaines since 1995 and offers religious, educational and community programs.

Police said the Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved felony charges of mob action and aggravated battery. Ghaffar was arrested, cited and released with court information.

The three men charged immediately following the fight faced varying charges. Asir was charged with mob action, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated assault, while Khan was charged with mob action and aggravated assault. Abdulrahim Ghaffar was charged with mob action and battery.

An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.