MORE THAN 30 DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES VANDALIZED; TWO CIVILIANS AND SEVERAL POLICE OFFICERS INJURED
On Monday, June 1, the Naperville Police Department, assisted by numerous law enforcement agencies, addressed incidents of looting, vandalism and other acts of violence in downtown Naperville.
A group estimated to be between 250 and 300 people moved through downtown between 9 p.m. and approximately midnight, vandalizing and/or looting more than 30 downtown businesses. Several businesses in other parts of the city were also burglarized. Eleven individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 31, were arrested for crimes ranging from burglary to possession of stolen items. Police expect additional arrests to be made as the investigation continues. A property damage assessment is currently underway.
The vandalism followed a peaceful protest that began in downtown Naperville at 3 p.m. The protest moved throughout the downtown streets, to City Hall, and then to the City’s Public Safety Campus, with the Naperville Police Department providing an escort to ensure protesters’ safe passage on city streets.
The group began to separate at approximately 9 p.m., when agitators began using wood 2-by-4’s to break windows and throwing bricks and bottles at police officers, police vehicles and through store windows. One civilian remains hospitalized with serious injuries after being stabbed by another protester. A second civilian suffered a broken leg, and several officers were injured after an explosive device was thrown at them. The officers suffered what are believed to be minor injuries and were treated on scene.
“Our officers did exactly what they were trained and ordered to do, and they did it with courage and bravery,” said Chief of Police Robert Marshall. “While property damage was sustained, we were able to prevent acts that many other communities across the country have had to endure, including arson and gun violence.”
The Naperville Police Department was aided by The Naperville Police Department was aided by Aurora Police Department, DuPage and Kane County Sheriff’s Offices, DuPage County Forest Preserve Police, Naperville Park District Police, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, Plainfield Police Department, Woodridge Police Department, Metro Swat, F.B.I., A.T.F., Illinois State Police and the Department of Homeland Security.
Businesses and residents who need to report property damage or burglaries are requested to call the police department non-emergency number (630) 420-6666.
