Homeless Man Charged After Disturbance Near Geneva Train Station: GPD

GENEVA, IL — A homeless man was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors after what police called a public disturbance Monday afternoon near the Geneva Train Station.

Jeremie R. Harris, who last lived in North Aurora, is facing one count of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct, breach of peace, Geneva police said.

The police department received multiple 911 calls around 12:09 p.m. with conflicting information about an armed man wearing all black clothes, a ski mask and black gloves. Callers reported he was approaching cars aggressively and alarming drivers on Third Street near Crescent Place, according to police.

Some callers said shots may have been fired, while others alleged the man was holding a cell phone "like a handgun," officials said.

When Geneva police and Kane County sheriff's deputies responded at 12:12 p.m., the man told them he had been listening to music and acting out the lyrics from a song, officials said. Officers uncovered no weapons — but did find two cell phones — during a preliminary investigation.

On the scene, witnesses told police Harris was holding a cell phone like a gun while wearing a ski mask and gloves. Multiple people, whom police referred to as victims, thought they were going to be carjacked and quickly sped away, while others were startled by his behavior, police said.

Harris was taken into custody without incident and released from jail at 2 p.m.

"Geneva Police would like to thank the public who remained on the scene to point out Harris’ location, which helped peacefully resolve a hectic situation," officials said in a news release. "Geneva Police also thank the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for its quick response."