Naperville police make 19th arrest for gun in vehicle in Topgolf parking lot since August – Chicago Tribune

A 20-year-old man already awaiting trial on gun possession charges was arrested by Naperville police Friday night for having a gun in his vehicle in the Topgolf parking lot. It was the 19th such arrest since August and the second since Monday.

According to a news release from the DuPage County District Attorney’s Office and Naperville Police Department, while on foot patrol on the property at 3211 Odyssey Court, police discovered a handgun with an extended magazine on the driver’s side rear running board. They took Gary Howard, of the 6500 block of Deer Lane, Palos Park, into custody after he and a female companion entered the vehicle around 9:50 p.m. Friday.

A loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine that Howard allegedly placed on the floor in front of his seat was recovered, the release said.

Howard was charged with aggravated battery of a weapon. He also faces aggravated fleeing and eluding and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon from a previous arrest in Cook County.

Prosecutors asked that Howard be denied temporary release on the latest charges and remain in prison. Judge Brian Jacobs granted that request on Saturday. His next court date is scheduled for May 13.

On Monday, Naperville police made a nearly identical arrest after spotting a gun in a vehicle while on foot patrol. Joshua Passafiume, 25, of Coal City, was arrested on a charge of aggravated use of a weapon.

Between August 10, 2023 and Friday evening, 19 people were arrested on gun charges outside the Topgolf facility, based on information from Naperville police, arrest records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, and DuPage County court records.

Prosecutor Robert Berlin said he supports police efforts to end recurring gun incidents at the Topgolf property.

“With warm weather quickly approaching, my office stands ready to work with the Naperville Police Department and Topgolf authorities to ensure there is no repeat of last year’s spate of individuals bringing a dangerous weapon into a family-friendly facility “said Berlin in the press release.