Lombard Man Charged with Hate Crime After Spitting and Yelling Obscenities at Pakistani Man

Prosecutors say Justin Ward shouted slurs about Iran and attacked the victim at a local bakery.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:34am

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A 34-year-old Lombard man named Justin Ward has been charged with a hate crime and aggravated battery after allegedly shouting obscenities about Iran, spitting at, and hitting a 31-year-old Pakistani man named Ahmed Khan at a Crave Cookies bakery in Lombard, Illinois. Ward has a history of prior violent offenses.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing problem of hate crimes and bias-motivated attacks targeting minority communities, especially Muslim Americans, amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the need for stronger accountability measures.

The details

According to prosecutors, on Friday evening around 9 PM, Ward started shouting slurs at Khan in the bakery's parking lot, yelling "(expletive) Iran," "This is America," and "I can't (expletive) stand you Indians." When Khan ignored him, Ward followed him inside the bakery and then spit at and hit Khan in the neck and face. Khan, who is Pakistani, not Iranian, said he was fearful Ward would use an alcoholic beverage he had as a weapon. Ward fled the scene when he heard police sirens, but was later arrested at his home.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, March 14, 2026 around 9 PM.
  • Ward was arrested at his home after fleeing the scene.

The players

Justin Ward

A 34-year-old resident of Lombard, Illinois who has been charged with a hate crime and aggravated battery for the incident. Ward has a history of prior violent offenses, including a pending aggravated battery case and a conviction for throwing hot chili on a 79-year-old deaf woman in 2024.

Ahmed Khan

A 31-year-old Pakistani man who was the victim of Ward's alleged hate-motivated attack at the Crave Cookies bakery in Lombard. Khan said he was at the shop to grab a snack before starting his Ramadan prayers when Ward began shouting slurs at him.

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What they’re saying

“The type of behavior alleged in this case will never be tolerated in DuPage County. DuPage County is welcoming to all, and my office stands ready to file the appropriate charges involving any attack on another individual based on their race, religion, sexual orientation or any other individual characteristic.”

— Robert Berlin, DuPage County State's Attorney (Chicago Tribune)

“Acts of hate and racism go against the values we share as a community and will not be tolerated.”

— Joe Grage, Lombard Police Chief (Chicago Tribune)

“No one should be targeted, harassed, or assaulted because of their perceived ethnicity, religion, or national origin. When bias-motivated attacks occur, it is critical that authorities respond decisively to send a clear message that hate and intimidation will not be tolerated in our communities.”

— Hafsa Haider, Spokesperson, Council on American-Islamic Relations Chicago (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Justin Ward out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of hate crimes targeting minority communities in the U.S., as well as the need for stronger accountability measures to address repeat offenders who commit bias-motivated attacks. It underscores the importance of law enforcement and community leaders taking a firm stance against racism and Islamophobia.