News Metro/State Crime

Charges upgraded against man accused of slashing tires at Palos Hills churches

Osama E. El Hannouny is now facing 14 hate crime charges after being initially charged with criminal damage to property.

By Emmanuel Camarillo

Joseph Roman alledegly carjacked a man Feb. 19, 2021 in Humboldt Park. — El Hannouny’s charges were upgraded Jan. 9, 2020.

Charges have been upgraded against a man who allegedly slashed tires of multiple vehicles at churches in Palos Hills last year because he didn’t like Christians.

Osama E. El Hannouny, 25, was initially arrested Nov. 17, 2019, and charged with 14 counts of criminal damage to property, according to Palos Hills police.

The charges against him were upgraded Thursday to 14 counts of hate crime, police said. He allegedly admitted to slashing tires of 19 vehicles at two churches because he didn’t like Christians.

Osama E. El Hannouny is accused of hate crimes — Osama E. El Hannouny

He was released on a personal recognize bond and electronic monitoring Thursday, police said. His next court date was set for Feb. 18.

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