North Central College Student Charged with Possession of Loaded Gun on Campus

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that Judge Christine Cody has granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a North Central College student accused of possessing a loaded firearm on campus. Kurtis Cruz, 18 (9/14/2007) of the 0-100 block of E 56th Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday morning charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in a School, a Class 3 Felony. Cruz’s co-defendant, Diyonnes King, 18 (d.o.b. 2/21/07) of the 500 Block of Ashland Avenue, Elgin, also appeared in First Appearance Court yesterday morning charged with one count of Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Delivery of Cannabis, 30-500 grams (Class 3 Felony). King was released with conditions as he is not charged with a detainable offense. As a condition of his release, King is prohibited from entering North Central College dormitories.   

On Jan. 31, 2026, at approximately 1:11 a.m., North Central College campus safety officers contacted the Naperville Police Department to report that while on patrol, they observed a strong odor of cannabis and loud music playing from the suspects’ dorm room. The campus safety officers further relayed that when they made contact with the assigned residents of the room, later identified as Cruz and King, they allegedly observed a loaded handgun and a loaded firearm magazine in their dorm room. Naperville police officers arrived on scene a short time later and allegedly located the firearm, a Gen. 5 Glock 29 10mm with a loaded twenty-six round capacity extended magazine with one round in the chamber, in a black backpack next to a safe under Cruz’s bed. It is further alleged that officers located approximately thirty-nine bags of cannabis, weighing approximately 136 grams with packaging, in King’s grey backpack on the other side of the room. 

“A college campus is supposed to be a safe place for learning and growth, not a place where students and staff alike have to be concerned for their personal safety,” Berlin said. “The allegation that Mr. Cruz was in possession of a fully loaded weapon with a twenty-six-capacity extended magazine on a college campus is very alarming,” Berlin said. “I thank North Central College campus safety officers for alerting authorities to the situation as well as the Naperville Police Department for their quick response and efforts that led to the removal of a dangerous weapon from the college. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Eric Vincent and Daniel Orescanin for their work in preparing a strong case against Mr. Cruz.”

“Keeping our students, staff, and community safe is our top priority. This incident involved allegations of illegal drug sales and a loaded firearm on a college campus, which is very concerning,” said Arres. “I want to thank the North Central College campus safety officers and our police officers for their quick, professional response that helped safely recover a loaded firearm and drugs from a dorm room. I also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their guidance and partnership during this incident.”   

Cruz’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 3, 2026, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh. King’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 2, 2026, in front of judge Margaret O’Connell.            

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.

Kurtis Cruz

Diyonnes King

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.