Downers Grove, IL – A Darien woman faces hate crime charges after an alleged confrontation at a Panera Bread last Saturday.
Alexandra Szustakiewicz, 64, is charged with two counts of hate crime and one count of disorderly conduct. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced the charges, stating that respect and civility are fundamental in society.
According to Downers Grove police, officers responded to a disturbance at the Panera Bread on Lemont Road around 11:58 a.m. Investigators allege Szustakiewicz confronted a man over his sweatshirt, which displayed the word “Palestine.” She allegedly shouted expletives and tried to knock a phone from the hand of a woman recording the interaction.
Szustakiewicz was arrested the following day. Judge Joshua Dieden granted conditions for her pretrial release, including avoiding contact with the victims and the Panera location.
Police Chief Michael DeVries condemned the behavior, thanking officers for their swift investigation. Szustakiewicz is scheduled to appear in court on December 16.
Authorities stress that charges are not proof of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
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