More Charges For Man Who Used Explosive In Naperville Looting: PD

NAPERVILLE, IL — An Aurora man who pleaded guilty to throwing an explosive device into Egg Harbor Café was also charged with burglarizing Pandora Jewelry and kicking and punching the windows of Beidelman Furniture during the June 1, 2020, looting in downtown Naperville.

Diego Vargas, who is currently in federal custody, was charged with burglary and criminal damage to property in connection with the alleged incidents at Pandora Jewelry and Beidelman Furniture.

In June 2021, Vargas pleaded guilty to charges of maliciously attempting to damage and destroy a building by means of an explosive device. Prosecutors said Vargas admitted to throwing a street pole and then a lit explosive device through a window at Egg Harbor Café, 175 Jackson Ave., Naperville, according to a previous Patch article.

“Our detectives are second to none when it comes to thoroughly investigating a crime and building a solid case,” Naperville's Interim Chief of Police Jason Arres said in a news relese.

Arres continued, “This is yet another example of their relentless work paying off. I’m thankful for their hard work, the assistance of our law enforcement partners, and the support of the State’s Attorney’s Office in approving charges."

Vargas will appear in court Sept. 2 for sentencing for the Egg Harbor Café charges.

Naperville police estimate between 250 and 300 people vandalized and looted downtown Naperville June 1, 2020, damaging more than 30 businesses. Police arrested 11 people in connection with these incidents and other burglaries that took place throughout the city that same night.