A statement from the village of River Forest on June 4 announced that resident Rob Palley has been charged with one count of a hate crime and one count of aggravated battery by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office after an incident yesterday in the Jewel parking lot.
After an investigation by the River Forest Police Department and prosecutors, the Cook County Felony Review Unit recommended the charges.
“Mr. Palley is alleged to have committed a battery against a female, African-American woman in the parking lot of a Jewel Foods store (7525 W. Lake St.) following a verbal exchange that, according to the victim and witnesses, was racially-motivated,” reads the statement.
Mr. Palley will participate in an online bond hearing this afternoon.
“We have no tolerance for hate in River Forest,” said River Forest village president Cathy Adduci. “We appreciate and support the thorough work of our River Forest Police Department as well as the cooperation of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to hold those who engage in criminal activity that is motivated by hate fully accountable. And, we applaud the witnesses that helped the investigators determine the facts in this case so that felony charges could be brought against this individual. Finally, we’re pleased that officials from Jewel-Osco cooperated immediately by providing video footage, which helped us move forward quickly on this case.”
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
