Indiana Man Charged with Hate Crime in Flossmoor

FLOSSMOOR, IL — An Indiana man who allegedly yelled a racial slur at a man and fired a shot in his direction was charged with a hate crime following an incident in downtown Flossmoor Aug. 22.

Bryan Oedzes, 44, of the 1200 block of Killarney, Dyer, Ind., was arrested and charged Aug. 30 after police investigated and interviewed witnesses.

Police say the victim was walking in the downtown area in the late evening hours when Oedzes allegedly shouted a slur at the man. The victim moved toward Oedzes, who then reportedly pointed a gun at him.

When the victim raised his hands in the air and began to walk away, Oedzes allegedly fired a shot in the man's direction. He missed, and the victim was not harmed, police said. Police recovered a shell casing from the scene. Oedzes was also charged with aggravated discharge of a weapon.

"Our officers take hate crimes very seriously, and their response was fast and decisive," said Police Chief Michael Pulec, as reported by the Daily Southtown. "The Flossmoor Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence against individuals based along the lines of race, religion, gender, or any other identity and violate the basic values of our community."

Mayor Paul Braun in a press release called the crime a "concern," but praised Flossmoor as an "inclusive community that values the diversity of its residents and businesses."

Photo: Bryan Oedzes Flossmoor Police Booking Photo