Man who allegedly battered officer charged with hate crime for cutting Israeli flag: Skokie police

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) -- A man who allegedly battered a police officer is now facing hate crime charges for cutting an Israeli flag with a knife at a north suburban home over the summer, police said.

Skokie police said 33-year-old Mohamed Aicha allegedly cut the flag at a home in the 3900-block of Cleveland Street on June 20.

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On June 26, Aicha fled from a traffic stop in the 7900-block of Skokie Boulevard around 8 p.m., police said.

Police said Aicha later grabbed a police officer from his vehicle while armed with a knife. Officers took him into custody near Lamon Avenue and Jerome Street.

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Days later, Aicha was charged with Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding.

Police collected more evidence related to the flag incident, and this week, Aicha was formally charged with Hate Crime and Criminal Damage to Property.

Aicha appeared in court on July 1 and has remained in custody since his arrest.