Latest news with #JasonArres
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Naperville police say there will be ‘zero tolerance' for lawbreaking after large teen groups gather downtown
There will be a heavy police presence in downtown Naperville throughout the summer after two large group gatherings over the weekend yielded numerous citations and two arrests, authorities say. 'We'll be there to protect everybody's right to assemble and have a great night or day or whatever it is — lawfully,' Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said. 'It's when people start to become unlawful that we aren't going to have a tolerance for that.' Friday night, Naperville officers responded to a gathering of as many as 200 teens and young adults in areas of the city's downtown, police said in a Facebook post. Police were aware of the gathering ahead of time after seeing it advertised on social media and nearly 20 officers were assigned ahead of time to patrol the area, Arres said. While it was advertised to start at 4 p.m., activity didn't pick up until after 8 or 8:30 p.m. and everything started to 'bubble up' after 9 p.m., he said. When disruptive behavior started, police began issuing citations, Arres said. Officers observed people flashing hand signals at police, some of which appeared to be gang signs, and groups blocked sidewalks and interrupted traffic flow, he said. In all, about 20 citations were issues, according to Arres. A 15-year-old girl from Aurora was charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, littering and obstruction, police said. The situation started with an alleged incident of littering but devolved into her allegedly putting her hands on an officer, Arres said. The second gathering took place Saturday night. Arres described it as a 'street takeover,' with more than 100 people congregating in a parking lot on the northeast side of the city. There were 'numerous, numerous vehicles' doing burnouts and doughnuts around the lot, he said, and people setting off fireworks. Police were not aware of Saturday's gathering ahead of time but coordinated a 'large police response to that area' after being notified just after midnight, Arres said. Officers issued nearly 20 traffic tickets for multiple city ordinance violations, he said. Raymond Howard Zegers, 20, of McHenry, was arrested Sunday after an investigation allegedly connected him to several crimes committed during the meet-up, police said. Zegers was charged with reckless driving, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property and mob action. No weapons were observed at either gathering, according to the police chief. Gatherings like those from over the weekend aren't new. Several police officers were dispatched to downtown Naperville in August 2023 to break up a large gathering of about 150 people. The gatherings also are not unique to Naperville. So-called 'teen takeovers' have become commonplace in Chicago's downtown in neighborhoods over the past few years. Arres emphasized that Naperville police will have 'zero tolerance for unlawfulness,' he said. 'We want people of all ages to have a great time and enjoy all the amenities that our downtown has to offer,' he said. 'But if you're going to come down and create issues and problems, you will be held accountable. That word will get out that Naperville is enforcing all the laws as we are tasked to do.' The Chicago Tribune's Rebecca Johnson contributed. tkenny@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Naperville police say there will be ‘zero tolerance' for lawbreaking after large teen groups gather downtown
There will be a heavy police presence in downtown Naperville throughout the summer after two large group gatherings over the weekend yielded numerous citations and two arrests, authorities say. 'We'll be there to protect everybody's right to assemble and have a great night or day or whatever it is — lawfully,' Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said. 'It's when people start to become unlawful that we aren't going to have a tolerance for that.' Friday night, Naperville officers responded to a gathering of as many as 200 teens and young adults in areas of the city's downtown, police said in a Facebook post. Police were aware of the gathering ahead of time after seeing it advertised on social media and nearly 20 officers were assigned ahead of time to patrol the area, Arres said. While it was advertised to start at 4 p.m., activity didn't pick up until after 8 or 8:30 p.m. and everything started to 'bubble up' after 9 p.m., he said. When disruptive behavior started, police began issuing citations, Arres said. Officers observed people flashing hand signals at police, some of which appeared to be gang signs, and groups blocked sidewalks and interrupted traffic flow, he said. In all, about 20 citations were issues, according to Arres. A 15-year-old girl from Aurora was charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, littering and obstruction, police said. The situation started with an alleged incident of littering but devolved into her allegedly putting her hands on an officer, Arres said. The second gathering took place Saturday night. Arres described it as a 'street takeover,' with more than 100 people congregating in a parking lot on the northeast side of the city. There were 'numerous, numerous vehicles' doing burnouts and doughnuts around the lot, he said, and people setting off fireworks. Police were not aware of Saturday's gathering ahead of time but coordinated a 'large police response to that area' after being notified just after midnight, Arres said. Officers issued nearly 20 traffic tickets for multiple city ordinance violations, he said. Raymond Howard Zegers, 20, of McHenry, was arrested Sunday after an investigation allegedly connected him to several crimes committed during the meet-up, police said. Zegers was charged with reckless driving, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property and mob action. No weapons were observed at either gathering, according to the police chief. Gatherings like those from over the weekend aren't new. Several police officers were dispatched to downtown Naperville in August 2023 to break up a large gathering of about 150 people. The gatherings also are not unique to Naperville. So-called 'teen takeovers' have become commonplace in Chicago's downtown in neighborhoods over the past few years. Arres emphasized that Naperville police will have 'zero tolerance for unlawfulness,' he said. 'We want people of all ages to have a great time and enjoy all the amenities that our downtown has to offer,' he said. 'But if you're going to come down and create issues and problems, you will be held accountable. That word will get out that Naperville is enforcing all the laws as we are tasked to do.' The Chicago Tribune's Rebecca Johnson contributed. tkenny@
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville police say there will be ‘zero tolerance' for lawbreaking after large teen groups gather downtown
There will be a heavy police presence in downtown Naperville throughout the summer after two large group gatherings over the weekend yielded numerous citations and two arrests, authorities say. 'We'll be there to protect everybody's right to assemble and have a great night or day or whatever it is — lawfully,' Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said. 'It's when people start to become unlawful that we aren't going to have a tolerance for that.' Friday night, Naperville officers responded to a gathering of as many as 200 teens and young adults in areas of the city's downtown, police said in a Facebook post. Police were aware of the gathering ahead of time after seeing it advertised on social media and nearly 20 officers were assigned ahead of time to patrol the area, Arres said. While it was advertised to start at 4 p.m., activity didn't pick up until after 8 or 8:30 p.m. and everything started to 'bubble up' after 9 p.m., he said. When disruptive behavior started, police began issuing citations, Arres said. Officers observed people flashing hand signals at police, some of which appeared to be gang signs, and groups blocked sidewalks and interrupted traffic flow, he said. In all, about 20 citations were issues, according to Arres. A 15-year-old girl from Aurora was charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, littering and obstruction, police said. The situation started with an alleged incident of littering but devolved into her allegedly putting her hands on an officer, Arres said. The second gathering took place Saturday night. Arres described it as a 'street takeover,' with more than 100 people congregating in a parking lot on the northeast side of the city. There were 'numerous, numerous vehicles' doing burnouts and doughnuts around the lot, he said, and people setting off fireworks. Police were not aware of Saturday's gathering ahead of time but coordinated a 'large police response to that area' after being notified just after midnight, Arres said. Officers issued nearly 20 traffic tickets for multiple city ordinance violations, he said. Raymond Howard Zegers, 20, of McHenry, was arrested Sunday after an investigation allegedly connected him to several crimes committed during the meet-up, police said. Zegers was charged with reckless driving, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property and mob action. No weapons were observed at either gathering, according to the police chief. Gatherings like those from over the weekend aren't new. Several police officers were dispatched to downtown Naperville in August 2023 to break up a large gathering of about 150 people. The gatherings also are not unique to Naperville. So-called 'teen takeovers' have become commonplace in Chicago's downtown in neighborhoods over the past few years. Arres emphasized that Naperville police will have 'zero tolerance for unlawfulness,' he said. 'We want people of all ages to have a great time and enjoy all the amenities that our downtown has to offer,' he said. 'But if you're going to come down and create issues and problems, you will be held accountable. That word will get out that Naperville is enforcing all the laws as we are tasked to do.'
Chicago Tribune
28-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville News Digest: Naperville's curbside bulk brush program starts next week; Meet Jason Arres at May 1 Chat with the Chief police event
Naperville's curbside bulk brush program starts next week Naperville's annual Curbside Bulk Brush Collection program, which lets residents dispose of tree and shrub branches, starts next week and will run through the first week of June. Collections correspond with residents' regular garbage pickup days. Branch piles must be placed at the curb on the Sunday before the designated collection week, a city news release said. Homeowners whose garbage is collected Mondays should put their branches on the curb by Sunday, May 4. The branches will be collected during the week. If your garbage is collected on Tuesdays, the pickup week is May 12. Those with a Wednesday garbage collection day will have their brush collected the week of May 19. Homeowners with a Thursday garbage collection day should have their branches at the curb the week of May 26 for pickup May 27-30. The last collection week is June 2 for people with Friday garbage collection days. Brush collection crews will make only one pass through each neighborhood, officials said. Branches must be between three and eight feet long and no greater than six inches in diameter. Stack branches neatly on the parkway, put branches with thorns in a separate pile and don't tie or bundle branches, officials said. Brush piles that contain nails, metal, stones, root balls, stumps, plant material or lumber will not be picked up. Willow whips, vines and shorter branches must be bagged and placed out during garbage day with a yard waste sticker. For more information, go to Registration for Naperville's Memorial Day Parade due May 1 Marching bands, scout troops, veterans organizations and other community groups interested in being part of the Naperville Memorial Day Parade lineup must register at by Thursday, May 1, organizers said. The 2025 parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, in downtown Naperville. Vintage vehicles to provide parade transportation for veterans unable to walk the route are being arranged by former City Councilman Paul Hinterlong. Veterans who want to ride should register on the parade website. Meet Jason Arres at May 1 Chat with the Chief police event An informal Chat with the Chief meet-and-greet will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at Honey Jam Cafe, 1504 N. Naper Blvd. The event is a chance for residents to talk with Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres and other members of the department. There will be no presentation or formal agenda. Residents can stop by at any time to voice their questions, comments or concerns to police staff, a news release said. 'Chat with the Chief is such a valuable event because we get to have one-on-one and small group conversations with residents,' Arres said in a statement. 'We can answer their questions, listen to their concerns, and really get to know the values and priorities of the people who live and work in the town we're sworn to protect.' For more information, go to Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopening event set for Saturday Hidden Oaks Nature Center will hold a grand reopening celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook. The Oak-tacular Comeback Celebration is a free event and will feature live music, free hotdogs and s'mores, a touch-a-truck activity and crafts. Chainsaw artist Myles Nasby will be carving an art piece for the nature center, a local bee vendor will present an observation hive, and birds of prey from the Stillman Nature Center will be among the attractions, according to the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Tours the new building, exhibits and hands-on activities, many with an oak theme, will be offered. Children's activities including a bubble entertainer, face painting and temporary tattoos. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center and an adjacent section of the Hidden Oaks Preserve have been closed since February 2024 for a $2 million renovation.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Naperville sees crime drop across the board in 2024
Crime was down across the board in Naperville last year compared to 2023, according to statistics released by the Naperville Police Department. However, Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres wants to emphasize the crime has stayed relatively consistent over the past three years, he said. 'Obviously, I'm going … say, 'Hey, I love the fact that crime is down.' That's the trend we want to see,' he said. 'But I'm also conscientious that it's not (by) astronomical numbers.' The police department breaks down annually reported crime data into three categories: property crimes, personal crimes and crimes against society. Property crime was down slightly last year, dropping to 2,487 incidents from 2,599 in 2023 — a difference of about 112 cases. That's after rising 192 incidents between 2022 and 2023. Personal crime, which police measure by the number of victims not incidents, there were 167 fewer people victimized in 2024 than in 2023, with reported crimes totaling 1,000 last year. From 2022 to 2023, personal crime changed by less than a percent. There were 369 reported crimes against society last year, down 42 incidents from 2023. That's after a year-to-year decline of 185 incidents from 2022 to 2023. 'I like it when I see massive, massive drops,' Arres said. 'And I don't like it if it was a massive, massive raise. We're very consistent. … These numbers are pretty consistent across the board, and there's not a ton of anomalies.' Police also track traffic crash data. Last year, there were 2,791 crashes that did not result in injury, 457 that had injuries and eight crash-related fatalities, data shows. Crashes were up by 445 incidents over 2023. Traffic crashes in 2024 were also the highest they have been since 2019. To prevent crashes, Arres stressed that 'safety is a partnership.' 'The responsibility really falls on the person that's in the driver's seat of a car. … So, yes, police have a super important role in traffic safety, but that's enforcing the law,' he said. 'What we really need as a community and as a society as a whole is for people to follow the traffic laws.' While contextualizing crime statistics, Arres said the department switched to the Federal National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) in 2022. The system they used previously kept track of only the most serious crimes whereas NIBRS tallies every single crime in its official data, he said. 'We're kind of starting on a clean sheet of music, so to speak. … We only have three years of a baseline,' Arres said. Most recent data, which police published in late February, shows that property offenses accounted for about 64% of Naperville's total reported crime in 2024. These are mostly cases of fraud, theft and vandalism, police say. Theft made up nearly half of all property crimes reported. Most notably, shoplifting increased to 430 incidents last year, up 47 from 383 reports in 2023. Motor vehicle theft also rose slightly, from 81 incidents in 2023 to 94 in 2024, data shows. These incidents have been on the rise since 2022, largely due to a social media trend that gave people step-by-step instructions on how to steal Kias and Hyundais through videos posted to platforms such as TikTok, Arres said. That said, he noted that of the 94 reports of motor vehicle theft last year, a third were attempts and only about half involved a forced entry. 'We could have lowered that number … had we just locked our cars,' he said. Another property crime that hit residents particularly hard last year was fraud. Naperville residents reported losing nearly $5.5 million to scammers in 2024, a sum authorities have said is a dramatic increase from previous years. For personal crimes, the largest year-to-year difference was in reports of intimidation, which dropped from 355 in 2023 to 155 in 2024. Intimidation is when someone places another person in 'reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack,' NIBRS offense definitions state. Asked about the decline in cases of intimidation, Arres said, 'We're still doing a deeper dive on the data to figure out possibly what the reason behind that is.' As for crimes against society, drug/narcotic violations totaled 231 last year, down 20 from 251 violations in 2023. Weapon law violations were also down, dropping from 116 in 2023 to 91 in 2024. Speaking to the latter, Arres said that while weapon violations 'still grab headlines,' people are 'catching wind of how proactive we are, so it's eliminating that crime of opportunity. … I think it speaks to the job that our men and women do on a daily basis by proactively getting out there and enforcing the laws.' tkenny@
