Naperville: 9 Arrested, Dozens Cited as Police Crack Down on Teen Takeover Downtown

Naperville police took a zero tolerance approach to a large teen gathering downtown Monday night, arresting nine people and issuing nearly three dozen citations as crowds flooded the Washington Street corridor.

The "teen takeover" began around 5 p.m. along Washington Street between Chicago and Van Buren avenues, according to the Naperville Police Department. Groups of teenagers and young adults gathered in downtown Naperville, and officers worked to manage the crowd throughout the evening. By 11 p.m., police had dispersed the crowds.

The arrests

Five minors and four adults were taken into custody. The charges ranged from battery and assault to obstructing identification and disobeying peace officers.

Juvenile arrests:

• A 17-year-old from Plainfield was arrested for battery and cited for crossing outside of a crosswalk
• A 15-year-old from Bolingbrook was arrested for obstructing identification and cited for crossing outside of a crosswalk
• A 17-year-old from Bolingbrook was arrested for battery, assault, illegal possession of cannabis, and illegal possession of tobacco by a minor
• A 17-year-old from Aurora was arrested for obstructing identification and criminal trespass to state-supported land
• A 17-year-old from Romeoville was arrested for disobeying and interfering with a peace officer and cited for crossing outside of a crosswalk

Adult arrests:

• Amaree J. Bivens, 23, of Naperville, was arrested on four outstanding warrants and for obstructing a peace officer
• Sudais Oyekanmi, 18, of Aurora, was arrested for obstructing identification
• Marshun J. Smith, 18, of Romeoville, was arrested for attempted aggravated assault on a peace officer
• Tyler L. Sims, 18, of Romeoville, was arrested for battery and obstructing a peace officer

All four adults were also cited for crossing a roadway outside of a crosswalk, police said.

Police say warnings are over

Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said the department had previously warned the community about its stance on such gatherings. The zero tolerance message was delivered ahead of Monday's event.

"We've been very clear on our stance. 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."

Arres said the department had tried a more lenient approach in the past.

"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."

No injuries reported

Police said no injuries were reported during the gathering. Officers worked in teams throughout the evening to enforce state law and local ordinances.

The teen takeover trend has been prevalent in Chicago during the late spring months. Large gatherings spread through social media and have sometimes turned violent, drawing concern from city leaders, parents, and anti-violence advocates. The arrival of similar events in suburban communities like Naperville has put local police departments on notice.

Arres thanked officers for their teamwork and professionalism. He also acknowledged the additional agencies that responded to assist and the community for its trust.

"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."