DuPage County, Illinois – A Lombard man is being held after an alleged hate crime at a bakery triggered charges and court action.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Justin Ward, 34, has been charged with hate crime and aggravated battery in a public place following a Friday night incident in Lombard. A judge denied his pre-trial release during a court appearance Sunday.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 9:19 p.m. March 13 at Crave Cookies, 217 E. Roosevelt Road. Following an investigation, officials allege Ward began shouting at a man in the parking lot before following him inside the bakery.
Prosecutors allege Ward directed profane, racially charged remarks at the victim, including statements referencing Iran, and spat on him, striking his neck and chest. The victim then returned to his vehicle, with Ward allegedly following before leaving as police approached.
Officers later located Ward at his residence, where he was taken into custody, according to authorities.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said the alleged conduct will not be tolerated and emphasized prosecution of crimes targeting individuals based on identity. Lombard Police Chief Joe Grage said the incident contradicts the community’s values and urged residents to report hate-related incidents.
Ward is scheduled to appear in court Monday, April 6.
The case remains ongoing. Authorities stress the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The incident may impact local workers and students who frequent busy retail areas along Roosevelt Road.
