A 34-year-old man is facing felony charges after authorities say he targeted another man in an alleged hate-fueled confrontation at a Lombard bakery last week.
Justin Ward was denied pretrial release during a court appearance before DuPage County Judge Leah Bendik. He has been charged with one count of a hate crime and one count of aggravated battery in a public place, both classified as felonies.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred around 9:19 p.m. Friday at a bakery located on East Roosevelt Road in Lombard. Police were dispatched to the business following reports of a disturbance in the parking lot.
Investigators allege that Ward began yelling at a man outside the bakery. When the man did not respond, Ward reportedly followed him into the store, where he continued shouting profanities and made derogatory remarks referencing the victim’s ethnicity and nationality.
Authorities say Ward also spat at the man, striking him on the neck and chest. The victim then exited the bakery and headed toward his vehicle, but prosecutors allege Ward followed him outside.
Police say Ward left the area after hearing approaching sirens. Officers later located him at his residence and took him into custody without further incident.
Ward is scheduled to appear in court again on April 6 before Judge Daniel Guerin as the case proceeds.
