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White Man Who Yelled 'Shut Up, Slave' And Punched A Homeless Man Faces Felony Hate Crime Charges

William Boucher could serve at least 20 years in prison if convicted.

The Chicago man who was videotaped yelling “shut up, slave” and punching innocent people on the street after an altercation at Starbucks is facing felony hate crime charges. 

William Boucher, 24, faces four counts of aggravated battery in a public place and four counts of committing a hate crime for the June incident, the Chicago Sun Times reports.

Boucher was initially only charged with three misdemeanor counts of battery, but the presiding judge issued a no-bond warrant for arrest and upgraded his charges in August.

The incident began when someone allegedly spilled coffee on Boucher, sending him on a racist rampage.

A witnessed filmed Boucher yelling "shut up, slave," at a customer, then suggesting the man is like livestock, as well as other derogatory comments.

"Your children are disposable vermin!" Boucher shouted at another man in the video.

When he left the Starbucks, Boucher punched a 59-year-old homeless man and spit on a Black man, Gerald Mitchell, and a Black woman.

Once he was filmed punching the homeless man, other men at the Starbucks took Boucher to the ground and held him there until police arrived on scene. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Mitchell says Boucher spit in his face and kneed him repeatedly while he was held down.

"I don't know his background. I would try to give him the benefit of the doubt. I just know it was downright wrong. Disgusting," Mitchell told Chicago Sun Times. "I hope he learns from this."

Bail for Boucher was set at $50,000 and he was released from police custody after posting 10 percent of his bond. He's scheduled to appear in court again on Oct. 23.

If convicted, Boucher can receive up to five years for each aggravated battery charge. 

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