Three men are in custody following an attack on a CBS News Chicago reporter and photographer near the Adler Planetarium on Monday afternoon. The incident involved a dog and racial slurs directed at the African American photographer. No charges have been filed as of Tuesday afternoon.
The attack occurred as the crew prepared a live shot about hot weather. Witnesses reported that three men in a white tow truck approached the journalists. One man ordered a German Shepherd to attack the photographer while using racial slurs.
The photographer used a folding stool to defend himself during the confrontation. Both the reporter and photographer escaped unharmed, though their news truck and equipment were damaged. The same three individuals were arrested less than 30 minutes later in the Brighton Park neighborhood after reports of weapons being pointed at people.
A CBS News legal analyst stated that prosecutors are considering adding hate crime enhancements to potential charges. Such additions would elevate the offenses to felonies under Illinois law. The suspects each have prior criminal records involving violence and tow truck-related offenses.
