Man Charged With Targeting Naperville Restaurant With Explosive Device During June Looting
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 24-year-old man has been arrested on federal charges for trying to damage a Naperville restaurant with an explosive device during widespread looting in June.
Diego Vargas, whose most recent address is unknown, has been charged with one count of maliciously attempting to damage and destroy a building by means of an explosive device.
Federal prosecutors said Vargas set off an explosive device inside Egg Harbor Cafe in Naperville on June 1, after hundreds of people had begun vandalizing businesses and attacking police officers, following a peaceful protest earlier that night. Naperville was one of several local communities that saw widespread vandalism and looting in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Prosecutors said video evidence from the scene shows Vargas throwing a flaming object through a window at Egg Harbor Cafe and running away. The dark windows of the restaurant can be seen lighting up as a blast is heard just seconds later.
Vargas was arrested Wednesday night, and made his first court appearance Thursday by phone from the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he is being held. Vargas pleaded not guilty and U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain ordered him to remain in custody pending a detention hearing on Friday, which later was continued until Oct. 15.
If convicted, Vargas would face 5 to 20 years in prison.
