Crime & Safety
Darien Man Charged with Hate Crime at Woodridge Gas Station
Police report Ali Akel, 32, of Darien, used a racial slur against two black men and attacked one.
A Darien man was arrested at a Woodridge gas station Monday and charged with a hate crime, according to police.
Ali Akel, 32, was arrested after allegedly using a racial slur against two black men, according to a Daily Herald report. Akel then spat on one of the men, knocked him to the ground and started to punch him, the report said.
In addition to the hate crime charge, Akel was charged with aggravated battery and marijuana possession.
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The incident took place at Mobil, 1940 75th St., around 3:30 p.m.
Akel was released on bail Tuesday, the report said.
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Akel told Judge Michael Wolfe in DuPage County Bond Court on Tuesday that he would “probably” plead guilty, the report said.
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