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An Alsip man has been charged with a hate crime for allegedly vandalizing UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Lake in the Hills, causing the owner to cancel a controversial drag show that was planned Saturday evening.
Joseph I. Collins, 24, of the 11700 block of South Ridgeway Avenue in Alsip, was charged with hate crime, a Class 4 felony, and criminal damage to property, a Class 4 felony.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department responded around 12:04 a.m. Saturday to UpRising Bakery and Cafe, 2104 West Algonquin Road.
Responding officers were notified of an in-progress criminal damage to property and that the suspect had fled on foot, according to Lake in the Hills Police Department Communications Coordinator Rachael Ruiz.
An Algonquin police sergeant had spotted Collins leave the scene and was “instrumental in this incident,” Ruiz said.
Lake in the Hills officers, along with the Algonquin police sergeant, took Collins into custody.
UpRising Bakery and Cafe sustained significant damage early Saturday morning, Ruiz said.
Officers found broken windows and hateful messages spray painted on the building.
“The safety and Constitutional rights of everyone are always the Lake in the Hills Police Department’s priority,” the department said in a statement.
“The Police Department is disheartened this happened in our Village, remain steadfast in our commitment to public safety and have zero tolerance to crimes against all members our community,” the statement added.
Collins was later transported to the McHenry County Jail and appeared for a bond hearing.
A McHenry County judge set the man’s bond at $10,000. He remains held and would need to post $1,000 cash to be released.
In a statement early Saturday morning, the business said on social media they canceled their events for the weekend and will be closed Saturday “for the safety of the performers, staff, and community.”
“At this time we ask everyone: DO NOT COME TO OUR LOCATION AT ALL TODAY. We did not want to back down from Bullies but absolutely cannot in good conscience continue with tomorrows plans. It breaks our hearts. we will update when we can,” the owner said.
UpRising Bakery and Cafe’s owner reported receiving in-person and online threats earlier this month after they announced they were hosting a drag show where children were welcome to attend.
The event, which has since been canceled, was scheduled to take place Saturday.
