Chicago Man Accused of Attempting to Disarm Naperville Police Officer

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Anthony Coco has granted the State’s motion to detain a Chicago man accused of attempting to grab a police officer’s gun after leading police on a high-speed chase. Devante Gunn, 32 (d.o.b. 10/23/1992) of the 100 block of S. Sacramento Boulevard, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count Attempt to Disarm a Peace Officer (Class 3 Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No FOID (Class 4 Felony), one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Peace Officer (Class 4 Felony) and four counts of Misdemeanor Resisting a Police Officer.

On March 14, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Naperville police officers observed a dark colored sedan with suspended registration plates turning onto North Aurora Road near Route 59. The officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, one officer spoke with the driver while a second officer placed spike strips under a rear tire. It is alleged that while speaking to the driver, later identified as Gunn, Gunn put the car into drive and fled the scene, causing a tire to pop. The officers pursued the defendant as he turned northbound on to Fairway Drive, where they were joined by a fully marked squad car. Gunn allegedly reached speeds of approximately 68 mph in a 30-mph zone while fleeing from police. It is further alleged that Gunn entered the parking lot of an apartment complex where he exited the car and fled on foot. It is alleged that when officers attempted to take Gunn into custody following a brief foot pursuit, Gunn resisted, and officers had to deploy multiple taser strikes to take him into custody. It is alleged that when officers took Gunn into custody, they found a loaded Springfield Armory XD 9 mm handgun with a round in the chamber, in his waistband. It is further alleged that as officers took Gunn into custody, he reached towards and grabbed at an officer’s holstered firearm, but the officer was successful in preventing Gunn from retrieving the weapon.

“It is alleged that the defendant in this case, Devante Gunn, in a complete defiance of the rule of law not only fled from officers in his vehicle and on foot, but also resisted officers’ efforts to place him under arrest and attempted to grab an officer’s service weapon,” Berlin said. “Naperville police however, who are extremely well trained, quickly and securely took Mr. Gunn into custody bringing an end to an incident that could have turned extremely dangerous very quickly. I commend the Naperville Police Department for their efforts safely apprehending the defendant in this case, as well as for their ongoing efforts to protect our communities. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Marta Prell and Kevin Kosman for their work in securing charges against Mr. Gunn.”

“Ensuring the safety of our community is our top priority, and incidents like this underscore the dangers our officers can face on a daily basis. Thanks to their quick response, this individual was taken into custody despite his attempts to flee and resist arrest,” Arres said. “We remain committed to seizing firearms from those who have lost the privilege to carry them and will continue to proactively patrol our community to keep it safe from individuals who choose to violate the law. I want to personally thank our officers for their unwavering dedication and willingness to continually work so diligently in order to protect the residents of our city. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and our community is safer because of it. I also want to thank State’s Attorney Berlin and his staff for their assistance with this incident.”

Gunn’s next court date is scheduled for March 31, 2025, in front of Judge Joseph Bugos. 

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Devante Gunn

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.