Five juveniles and four adults were arrested during a pre-planned “teen takeover” in downtown Naperville Monday evening.
According to police, at approximately 5pm Monday large groups consisting of mostly juveniles began to gather in the downtown business district, mainly along the Washington Street corridor between Chicago and Van Buren avenues.
The Naperville Police Department, which had given notice of the event on various social media platforms, had deployed several teams of officers throughout the downtown and, as the night progressed, several juveniles and young adults began to commit violations of state law and local ordinances.
As a result, officers arrested nine individuals and issued almost three dozen citations.
Five juveniles were arrested and charged as follows:
- A 17-year-old male from Plainfield was arrested for Battery and issued a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.
- A 15-year-old male from Bloomington was arrested for Obstructing Identification and issued a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.
- A 17-year-old male from Bolingbrook was arrested for Battery, Assault, Illegal Possession of Cannabis and Illegal Possession of Tobacco by a Minor.
- A 17-year-old male from Aurora was arrested for Obstructing Identification and Criminal Trespass to State Supported Land.
- A 17-year-old male from Romeoville was arrested for Disobeying a Peace Officer, Interfering with a Peace Officer and issued a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.
Four adult males were also arrested in connection with the event.
- A 23-year-old from Naperville was arrested on four outstanding warrants, Obstructing a Peace Officer, and issued a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.
- An 18-year-old from Aurora, was arrested for Obstructing Identification and issued a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.
- An 18-year-old from Romeoville, was arrested Attempted Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer and issued a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.
- An 18-year-old from Romeoville, was arrested for Battery, Obstructing a Peace Officer and issued a citation for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.
Crowds were dispersed by approximately 11pm.
“We’ve been very clear on our stance,” Police Chief Jason Arres said. “We want people to come to our city, patronize our businesses, and enjoy all the amenities Naperville has to offer. But if you break the law, there will be no warnings; there will be no second chances. We’ve tried that approach, and it was met with a lot of disrespect and lawlessness. So, as last night proved, we will not hesitate to make arrests and issue citations for breaking the law. I want to thank our officers for their incredible teamwork and professionalism, the additional agencies that responded to assist, and our community for their trust as we work to keep Naperville safe.”
