Hate crime alleged in Bolingbrook

A man has been arrested for committing a hate crime after reportedly attacking a store owner Tuesday evening in Bolingbrook.

Police were called around 5:30 p.m. to a clothing story in the 100 block of South Bolingbrook Drive after a 33-year-old man said he'd been attacked by a customer.

"He'd been approached by Aaron J. Pierce, who inquired about his religion. Upon learning the victim's religion, the offender made a derogatory comment and left the business," Lt. Mike Rompa said.

But Pierce, 25, allegedly returned a short time later and "began striking the victim without provocation." Police say the shopkeeper picked up a small knife to defend himself and Pierce fled.

"Officers received a call of a stabbed subject in the area (and) located Pierce with a superficial cut to his arm," Rompa said.

After being identified by the victim, Pierce was treated at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital before being booked into the county jail on charges of aggravated battery and committing a hate crime.