Naperville, IL - At approximately 9:40 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, Naperville Police Officers on bicycle patrol in downtown Naperville observed a 2012 Dodge Charger at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Main Street rapidly accelerate, emitting a screeching noise and smoke from the rear tires. The vehicle proceeded south on Main Street and stopped a block away behind an uninvolved vehicle waiting at a stop sign. As officers approached the vehicle with their emergency lights activated, the Dodge Charger fled from police, disregarding traffic control devices and heading westbound on Aurora Avenue.

A couple minutes later, Naperville Police Officers on patrol observed the same Dodge Charger near the intersection of Ogden and Aurora avenues and followed it to a gas station, where they blocked the vehicle’s ability to flee, arrested the driver, and discovered an illegal handgun in his possession.

Anthony Favela-Diaz, 22, of the 2600 block of Creek View Road in Aurora, is charged with one count each of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, both Class 4 felonies, in addition to Disobeying a Stop Sign, Disobeying a Traffic Control Signal, and Squealing or Screeching Tires.

“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,” said Police Chief Jason Arres. “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.”

The Naperville Police wish to remind the public and the news media that a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.