Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied the state's motion to detain Jermaine Badie, an 18-year-old from Naperville, before his trial. Badie is accused of shooting another man in the chest. He faces charges of Aggravated Battery – Discharge Machine Gun and Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun, both classified as Class X Felonies. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 12 to 45 years in prison. As part of his pre-trial release conditions, Badie will be monitored via GPS.

The incident occurred on October 28, 2024, when Naperville police responded to a report of a gunshot victim on Testa Drive. Officers found the victim with a chest wound and transported him to a hospital. The investigation suggests that after a fight between the victim and another person ended, Badie allegedly used a modified Glock handgun capable of automatic fire to shoot the victim. He reportedly fled but was soon apprehended by police.

Berlin commented on the seriousness of the allegations: “The allegation that Jermaine Badie pulled out a fully automatic weapon and shot a man in the chest following a fight that did not even involve him is outrageous,” he said. Berlin praised law enforcement efforts: “I commend the Naperville Police Department for their outstanding work in the identification and apprehension of the defendant in this case.”

Chief Arres also commended his team: “Our officers’ quick response to this scene and outstanding field work led to the quick apprehension of the suspect," he said.

Badie's arraignment is scheduled for November 25, 2024, before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Authorities remind the public that charges are not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.