Two Juveniles Charged with Early Morning Burglary at Naperville Vape Store

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today Judge Chantelle Porter has ordered that two Naperville juveniles be placed on home detention with electronic monitoring for allegedly breaking into a Naperville retail shop early yesterday morning. Both juveniles, one fourteen-year-old male and one fifteen-year-old male, appeared before Judge Porter this morning charged with one count of Burglary, a Class 2 Felony, and one count of Misdemeanor Criminal Damage to Property.

On December 29, 2024, at approximately 1:07 a.m., Naperville police officers responded to Drippy's Smoke Shop, located at 1552 N. Aurora Road #108, for a burglary alarm. Upon their arrival, officers observed that the front glass window to the business was shattered. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that the two juveniles went to the business together, threw a rock through the front glass window and entered the store. It is further alleged that once inside the store, the juveniles stole a currently-unknown amount of vape products from the business before fleeing. Approximately forty minutes after the initial alarm, officers located both juveniles walking near the store. It is alleged that when the officers attempted to make contact with the juveniles, both fled on foot but were apprehended following a brief foot pursuit. 

“The allegations that two young boys broke into a retail establishment at one o’clock in the morning are very concerning,” Berlin said. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Naperville Police department however, both juveniles were identified and apprehended less than an hour later. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their quick response on this case and for their ongoing efforts in keeping our neighborhoods safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Nick Catizone and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against these two defendants.”

“I commend our officers for their quick response, thorough investigation, and swift resolution of this incident,” Chief Arres said. “This department does not tolerate crime of any sort being committed in this community, and we’re committed to holding individuals responsible for their actions. I want to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their continued support of our efforts.”

The next court date for both juveniles is scheduled for January 27, 2025, in front of Judge Porter.

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are 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.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.