Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced 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 Joliet, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday 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 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 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. 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 June 6, 2024, at approximately 8:07 p.m., Naperville police officers on patrol were traveling behind a vehicle allegedly driven by Ware, who was observed not wearing a seatbelt. Officers heard what sounded like a gunshot come from the vehicle and observed it lightly swerve and shake. Officers conducted a traffic stop. After approaching the vehicle, officers located 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 this firearm matched the spent shell casing found on the driver's seat. Near where Ware's left foot would have been while seated, officers observed an entrance bullet hole leading outward from within without an exit hole present. After testing all occupants for gunshot residue, residue was found only on Ware’s hands. A separate 9 mm handgun was also located in another part of the car but did not match any discharged shell casings.

“I commend the Naperville Police Department for their efforts on these two cases,” Berlin said. “Their commitment to public safety is second to none. Once again, their efforts have led to removing dangerous weapons from those who are not legally allowed to possess them." He also thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys Adam Frahm and Anthony Raimondi for securing strong charges against both defendants.

“We will continue to proactively patrol our town and work to get those who are illegally in possession of firearms held accountable,” said Chief Jason Arres. “I continue to be thankful for our officers' hard work daily and for States Attorney Berlin's assistance.”

The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for arraignment on July 1, 2024. Thompson’s case will be heard before Judge Brian Jacobs while Ware’s case will be heard before Judge Daniel Guerin.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.