Hate Crime Charges Filed After Man Yelled Racist Statements, Spat, Hit Man In Lombard: Prosecutors

LOMBARD, IL — A Lombard man was charged with a hate crime after police say he spit at, hit and yelled racist statements at a man at Crave Cookies in Lombard, authorities said.

Justin Ward, 34, of the 2300 block of Woodbridge Way, was also charged with aggravated battery in connection with Friday's incident.

Police were called to Crave Cookies at 217 E. Roosevelt Road just after 9:15 p.m. for a report of a disturbance. Prosecutors say Ward started shouting at a man who was in the parking lot of the shop and then followed the man into the bakery.

Ward is accused of yelling, "[expletive] Iran," "this is America" and "I can't [expletive] stand you Indians" at the man before spitting at him and hitting his chest and neck.

Police say Ward followed the man when he left the store, but fled when he heard police sirens.

Ward was arrested at his home shortly after.

“The type of behavior alleged in this case will never be tolerated in DuPage County,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, “DuPage County is welcoming to all, and my office stands ready to file the appropriate charges involving any attack on another individual based on their race, religion, sexual orientation or any other individual characteristic."

Ward is set to appear in court on April 6.