A man is facing five counts of misdemeanor battery for allegedly throwing a liquid at a group of kids last weekend outside a Northwest Side dance studio while another person made veiled threats involving federal immigration authorities.
Robert Villanueva, 50, is scheduled to make his first court appearance next month, according to Chicago police.
Around 10 p.m. on Friday, Villanueva allegedly threw multiple cups containing an “unknown liquid” toward the group, which included four teenagers ranging in age from 13 to 15 as well as three women in their 40s. Both the man and a woman also “threatened” the group, police said.
A video captured at the scene in the 3000 block of North Pulaski Road shows a woman yelling from a neighboring balcony, “You’re lucky ICE is not here.” A man then comes out the apartment door and from a cup throws a clear liquid — seemingly water — toward the ground where the dancers and parents were standing, the video shows.
Ald. Felix Cardona Jr., whose ward includes the Avondale dance studio, said he was “appalled” that kids had to hear this type of language, especially after the toll heightened federal immigration enforcement took on the community during Operation Midway Blitz. He said using the word “ICE” in this context amounts to a “threat.”
Cardona said he’s been in contact with the Cook County state’s attorney’s office and the studio’s owner to determine how to file an order of protection. Cardona said he hadn’t heard of previous issues between the studio and their neighbors before this latest altercation.
After the charges were filed Monday, Cardona urged his constituents, “While we understand the strong emotions surrounding this situation, we ask that community members refrain from attacking or harassing the assailant. The police are actively working to ensure that those who were attacked are safe and that the situation is handled appropriately.”
