Anti-Mask Spitter Arrested: Elmhurst Cops

Elmhurst IL

20 November, 2021

10:54 AM

Description

ELMHURST, IL — An Oak Brook man is accused of spitting in the face of a 17-year-old employee at an Elmhurst business, police said Friday. Sean P. Connell, 53, who lives in the 19W200 block of Williamsburg Court, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of battery and disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $1,000, according to an Elmhurst police news release. About 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, a teenager told officers a man, later identified as Connell, entered Kilwins Elmhurst, an ice cream and candy shop, without wearing a face mask. When the teen asked him to put a mask on, Connell used vulgar language directed at the employee and left the store, according to the release. A short time later, Connell sent a family member into the business to make the purchase. Connell then re-entered the store and told the employee that he had spit on the cash his family member provided for payment, Connell said. Connell then spit at the employee, with a small portion of his saliva striking the employee's face, according to the release. Connell left. The manager called police. Police reviewed surveillance video and conducted an investigation that led to Connell's identification, police said. On Thursday, an arrest warrant was obtained for Connell's arrest. Connell surrendered himself the same day, police said. The case gained publicity earlier this week when the 17-year-old's mother, Maria Kresnicka, told the City Council about it. Patch ran a story. "When a patron entered without a mask, my son politely asked him to wear one," she told the council. "The man became belligerent and spat at my child. Police were called, but, of course, the coward fled." In response, city officials denounced the belligerence over masks some customers were showing employees at Elmhurst businesses.