LOMBARD, IL — A judge denied pretrial release for a man accused in a hate-crime assault at a Lombard bakery.
According to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Police Chief Joe Grage, Judge Lean Bendik granted prosecutors’ request to deny pretrial release for Justin Ward, 34, of Woodridge Way in Woodridge.
Ward appeared in First Appearance Court on Friday charged with one count of Hate Crime, a Class 4 felony, and one count of Aggravated Battery in a Public Place, a Class 3 felony.
Authorities say the incident occurred March 13 at about 9:19 p.m. when Lombard police were dispatched to Crave Cookies, 217 E. Roosevelt Road, for a disturbance.
According to prosecutors, Ward was in the bakery parking lot when he allegedly began yelling at another individual and used racial slurs. Investigators allege the victim went inside the bakery to seek help, but Ward followed the person inside and continued shouting.
Authorities say the victim later returned to their vehicle, with Ward allegedly following. Prosecutors allege Ward then spat at the victim and struck them in the neck and chest.
Police say Ward fled when sirens were heard but was later located at his residence and taken into custody.
“The type of behavior alleged in this case will never be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said in a statement announcing the charges.
Chief Grage said Lombard is a “proudly diverse community” and urged anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate incident to report it to police.
Ward’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 6, 2026, before Judge Daniel Guerin.
Members of the public are reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This article may be relevant to local students, workers, and commuters who frequent Roosevelt Road businesses in Lombard.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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