Naperville Man Charged in Stolen Car Case, Drug Possession & Assault of Officer
- Christiansen, was arrested on Monday, February 2, 2026, following a pursuit and alleged assault on a Naperville police officer.
- According to a Naperville Police Department news release, the incident originated on Sunday, February 1, 2026, when officers responded to reports of vehicle burglaries in the 900 block...
- On Monday, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the stolen vehicle was detected by license plate reader technology.
Naperville Man Arrested After Vehicle Theft, Alleged Assault on Officer
Naperville, IL – A 19-year-old Naperville man, Ethan M. Christiansen, was arrested on , following a pursuit and alleged assault on a Naperville police officer. The incident began with the reported theft of a vehicle and culminated in Christiansen’s arrest and multiple felony charges.
According to a Naperville Police Department news release, the incident originated on , when officers responded to reports of vehicle burglaries in the 900 block of N. Brainard Street. A 2007 Honda Civic was identified as stolen during the investigation.
On , at approximately 2:30 p.m., the stolen vehicle was detected by license plate reader technology. An Illinois State Police trooper tracked the vehicle into the Naperville area. Naperville Police officers then attempted to stop the vehicle in the 800 block of N. Brainard Street.
Police report that Christiansen fled the vehicle on foot. During the subsequent attempt to take him into custody, he allegedly resisted and battered an officer. Following a short pursuit, officers successfully apprehended him.
During the investigation, officers reportedly discovered a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine in Christiansen’s possession. Pills that tested positive for methamphetamine were found in the area where he had fled.
Christiansen, of the 2300 block of Keim Road in Naperville, now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest.
Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres commended the coordination between the Illinois State Police and Naperville officers. “This arrest highlights the effectiveness of strong partnerships and technology in keeping our community safe,” Arres said in the release. “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.”
The investigation into the initial series of vehicle burglaries remains ongoing. Authorities remind the public that all charges are allegations and that Christiansen is presumed innocent until proven guilty.