Man Accused Of Battering Naperville Cop After Stealing Car, Fleeing On Foot

NAPERVILLE, IL — A 19-year-old Naperville man faces multiple felony charges as police say he battered an officer after fleeing in a stolen car Monday afternoon. Ethan M. Christiansen, 19, of the 2300 block of Keim Rd., is also accused of possessing cocaine and methamphetamine pills when he was taken into custody.

Police were called to the 900 block of Brainard Street Sunday for reports that a 2007 Honda Civic had been stolen and other vehicles had been burglarized.

License plate readers detected the stolen car's plates around 2:30 p.m. Monday, which prompted a state trooper to follow the car toward Naperville. Police say Christiansen stopped the vecile and fled the scene on foot when officers from the Naperville Police Department arrived in the 800 block of Brainard Street.

Christiansen is accused of battering an officer and resisting arrest after a brief foot pursuit.

He was charged with aggravated battery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest.

“This arrest highlights the effectiveness of strong partnerships and technology in keeping our community safe,” Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said in a statement.

Arres added, “I commend the Illinois State Police and our officers for their quick coordination and professionalism, particularly during a situation that escalated and resulted in an officer being battered. We take crimes involving stolen vehicles, drug possession, and violence against officers very seriously, and we will continue working diligently to hold offenders accountable.”

Police say the burglaries on Brainerd Street are under investigation.