Naperville Police Arrest Driver of Stolen Vehicle

On Feb. 2, Naperville Police arrested a 19-year-old Naperville man allegedly in possession of a vehicle that had been reported stolen the previous day. 

On the morning of Sunday, Feb. 1, Naperville Police were dispatched to the 900 block of N. Brainard Street for reports that several vehicles on the block had been burglarized overnight and that one, a 2007 Honda Civic, had been stolen. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, the stolen vehicle was detected by license plate reader technology and followed into the Naperville area by an Illinois State Police trooper. When Naperville Police arrived in the area, the driver stopped the vehicle in the 800 block of N. Brainard Street and fled on foot. 

Following a short foot pursuit, officers took the suspect into custody. He is identified as Ethan M. Christiansen, 19, of the 2300 block of Keim Road in Naperville. While being placed under arrest, Christiansen allegedly resisted and battered an officer. While conducting the subsequent investigation, officers allegedly discovered a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine in his possession and pills that tested positive for methamphetamine in the area Christiansen had fled.

Christiansen is charged with the following offenses:

• 1 count Aggravated Battery (class 2 felony)
• 1 count Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (class 2 felony)
• 1 count Possession of Methamphetamine (class 3 felony)
• 1 count Resisting Arrest (class 4 felony)
• 1 count Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine, class 4 felony)

Police continue to investigate the motor vehicle burglaries.

“This arrest highlights the effectiveness of strong partnerships and technology in keeping our community safe,” said Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres. “I commend the Illinois State Police and our officers for their quick coordination and professionalism, particularly during a situation that escalated and resulted in an officer being battered. We take crimes involving stolen vehicles, drug possession, and violence against officers very seriously, and we will continue working diligently to hold offenders accountable.”

The Naperville Police wish to remind the public and the news media that a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Ethan Christiansen

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.