Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief Michael Rivas announced today that a Villa Park juvenile has been accused of breaking into Jefferson Pool, a recreation facility located at 341 North Harvard Avenue, and setting fire to a desk in the office portion of the facility. The juvenile, a fifteen-year-old male, appeared at a detention hearing this morning where Judge Demetrios Panoushis ordered his detention until at least his next court appearance. He is charged with one count of Arson (Class 2 Felony), one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony), one count of Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (Class 4 Felony), and one count of Misdemeanor Obstructing a Peace Officer.

On July 24, 2024, at approximately 12:46 a.m., officers from the Villa Park Police Department responded to the facility after surveillance footage captured an individual, later identified as the defendant, allegedly swinging an object at the window. Upon arrival, officers set up a perimeter around the building and observed the glow of a fire inside along with the juvenile wearing a black hoodie, face covering, and black paint on his face. Officers entered the building and found him allegedly hiding in a locked bathroom stall. It is alleged that he was in possession of a lighter and carried a backpack containing various tools including a hammer, hatchet, pry bar, three pairs of scissors, tin snips, and a small dumbbell with rope tied to it. An investigation suggests that he used the dumbbell to break into the building through a window. Once inside, he allegedly set fire to a desk causing damage to it as well as to other office equipment.

Officers placed him in handcuffs and took him into custody. It is further alleged that while being escorted out to the squad car, he attempted but failed to escape from officers.

“The allegations that a fifteen-year-old boy disguised himself and broke into a popular government-owned facility and set fire to a desk and office equipment are extremely disturbing,” Berlin stated. “Thankfully, Villa Park authorities were alerted very early before extensive damage could occur. I thank Villa Park Police and Fire Departments for their quick response. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Katharine Walker and Michael Paup for their efforts on this case.”

Rivas added: “The alleged actions are indeed alarming. We must always reject any notion that damage to government property is acceptable or should be minimized because it involves juveniles. The charges are serious and justified.” He extended thanks for "the extraordinary work done by Villa Park officers," acknowledging assistance from Lombard Police Department as well as DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin's team.

The juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 29, 2024 before Judge Panoushis.

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