Naperville police officers initiated, and then became involved, in two unrelated gun investigations, just minutes apart on Thursday night, June 6, 2024. Both incidents involved traffic stops and both resulted in serious gun charges.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced Saturday, June 8, 2024 that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny two men pre-trial release in unrelated weapons charges out of Naperville. Tony Thompson, 19, of the 400 block of Hillside Road, Joliet, appeared at First Appearance Court Friday, June 7, 2028, charged with one count of Possession of a Machine Gun (Class X Felony), one count of Possession of a Firearm – no FOID (Class 3 Felony) and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony). In an unrelated case, Trensae Ware, 24, of the 1500 block of W. Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, also appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday charged with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony).
On Thursday, June 6, 2024, at approximately 8:09 p.m., officers with the Naperville Police Department allegedly observed a vehicle turn out of a Wendy’s parking lot coming close to the officers’ vehicle. The vehicle appeared to jerk partially into the roadway while coming close to the officer’s vehicle. The officer proceeded in front of the vehicle, allowed it to turn, and then made a U-turn to get behind it. Once behind the vehicle, the officer conducted a traffic stop for expired license plates. While speaking to the driver, the officer heard what sounded like the slide of a handgun rack from inside the vehicle. The officer approached the individual in the passenger seat, later identified as Thompson, while awaiting backup. When backup arrived, the officer asked Thompson to exit the vehicle. When officers searched the vehicle, they found a Glock 17 9 mm firearm with a switch capable of making the firearm fully automatic underneath Thompson’s seat. Thompson was taken into custody at that time.
In an unrelated incident, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at approximately 8:07 p.m., Naperville police officers on patrol were traveling behind a vehicle allegedly driven by Trensae Ware, who was observed not wearing a seatbelt. Officers heard what sounded like a gunshot come from the vehicle and observed the vehicle to lightly swerve and shake. Officers conducted a traffic stop. After approaching the vehicle, officers located a cannabis shake on the gearshift and an open bottle of tequila in the rear pocket of the passenger’s seat. All four occupants were asked out of the vehicle. It is alleged that as Ware exited, a spent shell casing was found on the driver’s seat. The vehicle was then searched, and a loaded .45 caliber firearm was located under the front passenger seat. The bullets contained in the firearm matched the spent shell casing found on the driver’s seat. Near where the driver’s left foot would have been while seated, officers observed a bullet hole entrance leading outward from within the vehicle, and they observed no exit hole. After testing all occupants for gunshot residue, residue was found only on Ware’s hands. A 9 mm handgun was also located in the rear passenger compartment of the vehicle, that does not match the discharged shell casing.
“I commend the Naperville Police Department for their efforts on these two cases. Their commitment to public safety is second to none. Once again, their efforts have led to the removal of dangerous weapons from those who are not legally allowed to possess them. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Adam Frahm and Anthony Raimondi for their efforts in securing strong charges against these two defendants.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“We will continue to proactively patrol our town and work to get those who are illegally in possession of firearms held accountable. I continue to be thankful for the hard work our officers put in on a daily basis and the assistance we receive from States Attorney Berlin and his staff.”
— Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres
The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for arraignment on July 1, 2024. Thompson’s case will be heard in front of Judge Brian Jacobs while Ware’s case will be heard in Judge Daniel Guerin.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
^^ MOBILE? USE VOICE MIC ^^
facebook …
Please ‘LIKE’ the ‘Arlington Cardinal Page. See all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages at Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …
Help fund The Cardinal Arlingtoncardinal.com/sponsor
THANKS FOR READING CARDINAL NEWS