Supporters of UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Lake in the Hills have raised over $12,000 for the business after it was vandalized, causing a drag show to be canceled on Saturday.
Police responded to the business, located at 2104 West Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills, around 12:04 a.m. Saturday.
Responding officers were notified of an in-progress criminal damage to property and that the suspect had fled on foot, according to Lake in the Hills Police Department Communications Coordinator Rachael Ruiz.
UpRising Bakery and Cafe sustained significant damage early Saturday morning, Ruiz said.
Officers found broken windows and hateful messages spray painted on the building.
Lake in the Hills officers, along with the Algonquin police sergeant, took the suspect into custody.
Joseph I. Collins, 24, of the 11700 block of South Ridgeway Avenue in Alsip, was charged with hate crime, a Class 4 felony, and criminal damage to property, a Class 4 felony.
UpRising Bakery and Cafeโs owner reported receiving in-person and online threats beginning earlier this month after they announced they were hosting a drag show where children were welcome to attend.
The event, which has since been canceled, was scheduled to take place Saturday.
McHenry County resident Megan Rose created a fundraiser to help support the business following the incident.
“We loved the chill vibes, local art that adorns their walls, and most importantly, their cupcakes,” said Rose, who frequently patronizes the business.
“This same bakery was planning on hosting a drag brunch this very weekend. I mean, as a suburb gal, I was stoked knowing I could see a drag show and not have to go into the city. But that very same excitement quickly turned into sadness as I read that the UpRising had been vandalized with homophobic slurs and destruction of property,” Rose said.
The GoFundMe account initially started with a $500 goal but has surpassed it by raising over $12,000.
“The clouds of This storm Are clearing this morning and we will reopen today with limited services and staff,” the business announced Sunday on social media following the vandalism.
“Hate has no home here. Love and light live here. We live here. This is our home. this is our town. this is our county. this is our fight. weโre not turning our backs or backing down now,” the post said.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department said in a statement that their priority is the “safety and constitutional rights of everyone.”
“The Police Department is disheartened this happened in our Village, remain steadfast in our commitment to public safety and have zero tolerance to crimes against all members our community,” the department said.
Collins was transported to the McHenry County Jail after his arrest and released after posting 10% of a $10,000 bond.