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NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 2, 2026United States

Three men detained following attack on CBS News crew

A Cook County judge has ordered three men to remain in custody pending trial after they were accused of attacking a CBS News crew near the Adler Planetarium. The incident involved allegations of a hate crime, property damage, and a high-speed police chase.

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Why It Matters

Three individuals are being held in jail without bond pending trial for charges including hate crimes and aggravated assault, following an incident that disrupted a news crew and resulted in a police pursuit.

Key Facts

  • Judge James Murphy ordered William Huerta, Rafael Salinas, and Jon Twist to be detained pending trial.
  • Jon Twist faces charges of hate crime, criminal damage to property, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.
  • William Huerta faces felony charges for fleeing and eluding, two counts of aggravated assault of a state employee, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of a crime.
  • Rafael Salinas faces felony counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer and criminal damage, plus counts of reckless driving and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.
  • Salinas has two active arrest warrants for aggravated fleeing and eluding from incidents in March.
  • The incident began Monday afternoon near the Adler Planetarium when the suspects allegedly approached a news crew in a white tow truck.
  • Prosecutors allege Twist used racial slurs and ordered a German shepherd to attack a photographer.
  • The suspects allegedly smashed the news crew's camera and the van's windshield.
  • Police recovered a rifle near the tow truck after the suspects crashed in the 3600 block of South California Avenue.
  • Huerta allegedly attempted to cause police to crash their vehicles during a pursuit by repeatedly braking.
  • A fourth unknown male involved in the incident remains at large.
  • The defendants are scheduled to appear in court in Skokie on Wednesday.

Who's Mentioned

location3600 block of South California Avenue“Location where the tow truck crashed.”personJon Twist“Defendant, 37, accused of hate crime and property damage.”location43rd Street and Western Avenue“Location where police first spotted the tow truck.”personRafael Salinas“Defendant, 29, accused of aggravated battery and criminal damage.”organizationCBS News“The news organization whose crew was allegedly attacked.”locationMaggie Daley Park“Location where a gun was reportedly seen in the tow truck.”locationAdler Planetarium“Location where the initial incident occurred.”personWilliam Huerta“Defendant, 41, accused of fleeing and eluding police.”personJames Murphy“Cook County Circuit Judge presiding over the hearing.”