Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Cook County convicted felon accused of illegally possessing a firearm in the parking lot of the Naperville Topgolf facility. Courtney Bennett, 36, of Dolton, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), misdemeanor counts of Resisting a Police Officer, Obstructing a Police Officer, Possession of Cannabis, and one petty offense of Transportation or Possession of Open Alcohol by a Driver. Bennett’s criminal history includes three Unlawful Use of a Weapon convictions, which make him eligible for the Armed Habitual Criminal Charge.

On August 18, 2024, at approximately 12:56 a.m., officers on surveillance at Topgolf allegedly observed a white Alfa Romeo enter the parking lot with Bennett as the driver and an unidentified female passenger. A gun was reportedly in plain view in the center console along with two open cans of an alcoholic beverage. Officers began surveillance on the vehicle. It is alleged that Bennett returned alone to his car and started it when Naperville police officers blocked it from the front. It is further alleged that Bennett then exited the vehicle and unsuccessfully attempted to throw his car keys to nearby family members to lock the car before being placed under arrest. As officers handcuffed Bennett, he allegedly tried to pull away from them. A fully-loaded Taurus .40 caliber handgun was found in his possession along with more than ten grams but less than thirty grams of cannabis.

“With multiple felony weapons convictions, Mr. Bennett is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm,” Berlin said. “The allegations that he was in possession of a loaded weapon at a family-friendly recreation facility are extremely troubling and, in consideration of his past criminal history, if he is found guilty of today’s charges, Mr. Bennett will find himself facing up to thirty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.” Berlin commended the Naperville Police Department for their vigilant work which led to removing "a dangerous weapon from our streets" and thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys Adam Frahm and Anthony Raimondi for securing charges against Bennett.

“The safety of Naperville’s residents and visitors is a top priority for this department,” Arres stated. “Nothing compromises their safety more than firearms in possession by those not legally allowed to have them.” He emphasized continued proactive measures throughout the city to arrest individuals illegally possessing firearms and expressed gratitude towards his officers and DuPage County State’s Attorney's Office for their dedication.

Bennett’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 16, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Brian Telander.

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 entitled to a fair trial where it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.