[Chicago Tribune] A Palos Hills man already facing hate crime charges for allegedly slashing tires at two churches was arrested again this week on charges he tried to set fire to a church center, police said.Osama E. El Hanouny, 25, was arrested Tuesday after police said he used leaves to set fires at the base of the parish center of Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.
El Hannouny was seen on surveillance video looking through the doors of the building, observing it was occupied, and returning several times with leaves that he placed near a gas main and air conditioning unit, which he set on fire, police said.
Firefighters responded immediately to extinguish the flames and no injuries were reported.
El Hannouny was apprehended by police as he expeditiously departed at a goodly pace and bit, scratched, spit on and threatened officers while he was being processed, police said.
He also used his clothing to carve "Kill Christian now" on the wall of his cell, police said.
El Hannouny was charged with one felony count each of arson, hate crime, criminal damage to property and violating bond and five counts of battery to coppers.
It was the second arrest for El Hannouny since November, when he was charged with 14 counts of criminal damage to property for allegedly slashing tires of vehicles at two church parking lots.
The charges were later upgraded to a hate crime after he told police he disliked Christians.
El Hannouny has been denied bond for the charges from his second arrest.