Darien Woman Accused Of Hate Crime In Downers Grove Pleads Not Guilty

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A 64-year-old Darien woman has pleaded not guilty to felony hate crime charges after she was accused of shouting expletives and starting a physical confrontation with a couple wearing pro-Palestine shirts in Downers Grove.

Alexandra Szustakiewicz was arrested in mid-November after police were called to the Panera at 7361 Lemont Rd. for a report of battery and disorderly conduct. According to Deputy Chief James McGreal, a police report indicated Szustakiewicz shouted expletives and started a physical confrontation with the couple.

A video circulating online appears to show the incident, with a woman throwing coffee at a man in a "Palestine" shirt, who pleads with the woman to "get away from [his] wife."

Related: Hate Crime Charges Filed After Couple In 'Palestine' Shirts Attacked: Downers Grove Police

Szustakiewicz is accused of trying to hit a cellphone out of the woman's hand when she started to film, according to DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. A complaint alleges that Szustakiewicz “committed a hate crime by reason of perceived national origin."

“Every member of society, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or any other individual characteristic, deserves to be treated with respect and civility,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement after charges were filed against Szustakiewicz.

Berlin added, "This type of behavior and the accompanying prejudice have no place in a civilized society, and my office stands ready to file the appropriate charges in such cases."