Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing announced that Judge Demetrios Panoushis granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Lombard man charged with yelling racial slurs and displaying a BB gun at a Lombard Park District facility. Carl Walsh, 35 (d.o.b. 9/23/1988), of the 600 block of Grace Street, appeared at First Appearance Court last Sunday charged with one count of Hate Crime – Public Park or Community Center, a Class 3 Felony, and one count of Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct.

On September 1, 2024, the victim and four other individuals were gathered at the park near the Lombard Lagoon. It is alleged that while the group was at the park, an individual, later identified as Walsh, blew a whistle, screamed racial slurs and “white power,” and gave a Nazi salute, all directed at the victim. It is further alleged that Walsh then lifted up his shirt and began waving around a gun, at which time the group left and called the Lombard Police Department. Officers with the Lombard Police Department responded to the park and made contact with Walsh at his home near the park. When officers ordered Walsh out of his home, he was found with a BB gun on his person. He was taken into custody at this time.

“While DuPage County is a welcoming community, we do not tolerate or welcome the type of behavior alleged against Mr. Walsh,” Berlin said. “Hate crimes have no place in a civilized society and together we must reject this type of behavior whenever we see it. I commend the Lombard Police Department for their quick identification and apprehension of the defendant in this case. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Melissa Kravich and Michael McBride for their work in preparing a strong case against Mr. Walsh.”

“I would like to commend the quick actions and hard work of our officers,” Wirsing said. “This behavior will not be tolerated in our community. I also would like to thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their assistance on this case.”

Walsh’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 30, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.