Naperville Police Arrest Nine, Issue Dozens of Citations After Large Youth Gathering Downtown

Naperville police arrested nine people and issued nearly three dozen citations Monday night after a large group of young people gathered in the city's downtown area. According to police, the gathering began around 5 p.m. along the Washington Street corridor, stretching between Chicago and Van Buren avenues.

Authorities reported that several teenagers and young adults violated state laws and local ordinances as the evening progressed. Among those arrested were five juveniles, ranging in age from 15 to 17, from Plainfield, Bloomington, Bolingbrook, Aurora, and Romeoville. Charges against the minors included battery, assault, obstructing identification, criminal trespass, disobeying a peace officer, and illegal possession of cannabis and tobacco.

Four adults were also taken into custody, including a 23-year-old Naperville resident arrested on four outstanding warrants and for obstructing a peace officer. Additionally, an 18-year-old from Aurora was charged with obstructing identification, and two 18-year-olds from Romeoville faced charges including battery, obstructing a peace officer, and attempted aggravated assault on a peace officer. Many of those arrested were also cited for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.

Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres stated that the department will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for lawbreaking during such gatherings. Arres thanked responding officers and assisting agencies, emphasizing that the department will not hesitate to make arrests and issue citations to maintain public safety in the downtown area.