June 17, 2020 4:25p
(WGTD)---A Pleasant Prairie man who allegedly used racial slurs during a confrontation in a parking lot then appeared to aim his SUV at the victim and accelerate was ordered to refrain from driving and hold his tongue.
78-year-old Robert Carver appeared in court by phone for his initial appearance Wednesday.
Court Commissioner Larry Keating set a $5,000 signature bond and then issued the conditions of release. He's not to drive, except for emergencies and life’s essentials, and is not to use racial slurs in public. His attorney, Thomas McClure, said neither condition was necessary or warranted, saying his client had never before been accused of a crime.
But Court Commissioner Keating said the alleged incident was violent, uncalled for and unacceptable, and that he wanted to send a strong message. District Attorney Michael Graveley called the complaint “shameful” to read.
The incident apparently stemmed from the placement of a shopping cart in the parking lot of Menard’s by the victim, Cassandra Harris. Carver allegedly used the ‘n’ word and other slurs before getting into his vehicle and accelerating toward the woman, who is African-American. Carver is white.
Harris said in court Wednesday that her daughter was in her car at the time and started crying.
Part of the confrontation was captured on cell phone video. Carver can be seen driving off after a bystander started yelling at him and pounding on his window.
Carver is due in court next July 2nd for a preliminary hearing.
Carver is charged with disorderly conduct and endangering safety. Both counts carry hate crime enhancers.
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