Racist Chicago Starbucks Ranter Charged With Hate Crime

CHICAGO, IL — Cook County prosecutors have added a felony hate crime to the charges against a man captured on video in June screaming racially charged insults over a spilled cup of coffee at a Chicago Starbucks, according to DNAinfo.com. William Boucher, 23, originally was charged with three counts of misdemeanor battery after he allegedly punched a 59-year-old African-America man, who was taken to the hospital following the June 6 incident. The rant and altercation at the coffee shop in the the unit block of West Lake Street of the Loop were recorded by an ABC 7 Chicago photographer.

The hate crime isn't the only new felony charge Boucher, of the 7600 block of North Sheridan Road in the Rogers Park neighborhood, now faces. Prosecutors are now charging him with felony aggravated battery in a public place, DNAinfo reports.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office also has put out a warrant for Boucher's arrest after he failed to appear for his August court dates, the report stated. He was present for a July hearing in which he requested a public defender despite his claims that he made $1,200 a week as a businessman and online stock trader. Boucher could be jailed without bail if arrested on the warrant, the report added. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

According to Chicago police and the ABC 7 video, Boucher began yelling, "You're disgusting!" and "Shut up, slave!" when coffee was spilled on his suit in the Starbucks. The video then shows the altercation moving outside, where Boucher confronts an African-American man recording the events and shouts, "Your children are disposable vermin!"

RELATED: Racist Rant At Chicago Starbucks Ends With Punch, Battery Charges (VIDEO)

Boucher also is seen in the video spitting at the man, who runs at him before bystanders step in to stop a possible fight. Boucher then yells, "Get on all fours right now! Get on all fours! Do not walk off on two legs!" as the two men are separated.

WATCH: A 23-year-old man was charged after his racially charged tirade at a Starbucks in the Loop:

Finally, another African-American man approaches Boucher as he leaves the Starbucks. Boucher is seen in the video punching that man, who falls to the sidewalk. Witnesses then tackle and restrain Boucher until police arrive.

According to ABC 7, the man who was punched in the video suffered an eye injury and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Boucher also is accused of spitting at a police officer during the incident, DNAinfo reports.

More via DNAinfo.com

William Boucher, 23 (Photo via Chicago Police Department)

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