Alsip Man Charged With Hate Crime

WILLOW SPRINGS, IL -- An Alsip man was arrested after he punched another man in a bar and called him a terrorist, prosecutors said. Thaddaeus Dankert, 20, appeared before Cook County Judge Michael Kane on felony charges of a hate crime and two counts of aggravated battery. Dankert is also charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Dankert is accused of walking up to another man on April 21 at the Irish Legends, 8933 Archer Ave, Willow Springs and asking him if he was an Arab. He then called the man a terrorist and slugged him, the prosecutor said. The man fell on a table breaking his rib and rolled onto the floor. Witnesses told police that Dankert kept punching the man before fleeing. The prosecutor also said security video showed the man standing with his arms at his side when Dankert punched him.

The prosecutor said that Dankert was arrested for disorderly conduct in Adams County, WI. He has also juvenile arrests for disorderly conduct, assault and battery, and criminal damage to property.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Dankert is a full-time construction manager. Bail was set at $10,000. Kane told Dankert not to contact the man and to stay out of Irish Legends. Dankert’s next court date is July 3 in Bridgeview.