Naperville, IL – A North Central College student accused of possessing a loaded firearm inside a campus dormitory will remain in custody after a DuPage County judge granted the State’s motion for pretrial detention.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Judge Christine Cody on Friday ordered 18-year-old Kurtis Cruz detained following his first court appearance. Cruz is charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in a School, a Class 3 felony.
Authorities say the case stems from an incident early Friday, January 31, when North Central College campus safety officers reported a strong odor of cannabis and loud music coming from a dorm room around 1:11 a.m. When officers made contact with the residents, later identified as Cruz and co-defendant Diyonnes King, they allegedly observed a firearm and ammunition inside the room.
Naperville police responded and allegedly recovered a Gen. 5 Glock 29 10mm handgun with a 26-round extended magazine and one round chambered. Police say the firearm was found inside a black backpack next to a safe under Cruz’s bed.
Investigators also allegedly located 39 individually packaged bags of cannabis, weighing approximately 136 grams with packaging, inside a backpack belonging to King.
King, 18, of Elgin, is charged with Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds, a Class 2 felony, and Delivery of Cannabis (30–500 grams), a Class 3 felony. He was released with conditions and is prohibited from entering North Central College dormitories.
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin called the allegations “very alarming,” emphasizing that college campuses should remain safe environments for students and staff. Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres praised campus safety officers and responding police for their actions.
Cruz is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, March 3, 2026. King’s next court date is Sunday, March 2, 2026.
Members of the public are reminded that the charges are allegations only. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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