Aurora Teen Accused Of Tossing Explosive At Naperville Police Car

AURORA, IL — A 19-year-old Aurora man was arrested Thursday after federal authorities said he threw an explosive device at a Naperville police vehicle during a protest at the beginning of June.

Christian Rea faces a federal civil disorder charge, according to prosecutors. He could face up to 5 years in federal prison if convicted.

Police Reform: Aurora Residents Invited To Policy Review Sessions

Prosecutors allege Rea threw an explosive device near a police vehicle and several officers amid a large protest in Naperville against police brutality after George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis. One officer was injured that night by an explosive device, the Chicago-Tribune reports.

Rea was identified as a suspect in the incident after a joint investigation by the FBI and the Naperville and Aurora police departments, according to a news release.

"Federal law enforcement will use all tools available to hold accountable individuals who interfere with law enforcement officers performing their duties during a civil disorder," U.S. Attorney John Lausch said in the release.