Gun Charge Filed After Man Accused Of Fleeing Cops In Naperville

NAPERVILLE, IL — An Aurora man was arrested Friday after police say they found an illegal gun in his possession after he fled officers in Naperville.

Anthony Favela-Diaz, 22, of the 2600 block of Creek View Road, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the incident.

Police say an officer reported seeing a 2012 Dodge Charger speeding with its back tires screeching and smoking near the intersection of Main Street and Jackson Avenue around 9:40 p.m. According to police, Favela-Diaz was driving the car and failed to stop when police tried to pull him over as he continued west on Aurora Avenue.

Officers later saw the Dodge Charger on Aurora Avenue near Ogden Avenue. They then followed the car to a nearby gas station and blocked it from leaving, a news release said.

Police say they found a handgun on Favela-Diaz when they arrested him.

“Fleeing from a lawful traffic stop is both illegal and highly dangerous, and I’m grateful that none of the other motorists or pedestrians present in our downtown at that time were injured by this reckless act,” Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said in a statement.

Arres added, “Enforcement of traffic laws not only protects our roadways but also can often lead to the discovery of other crimes, like illegal possession of a firearm in this case. This continues to be a priority for our department, and I’m proud of our officers’ efforts to enforce the law and protect our community."