HOMER GLEN, Ill. — Three Chicago residents, including a juvenile, are in custody following two violent home invasions targeting senior women in southwest suburban neighborhoods on consecutive days. The incidents, roughly 10 miles apart, involved a stolen dark Acura, firearms, and the forced use of the victims’ own bank cards.
Police say the first attack occurred Wednesday, December 10, around 2:48 p.m. in the 16800 block of South Deer Path Drive in Homer Glen. A 73-year-old woman returning from grocery shopping was unloading her car when a man in a hoodie confronted her, pointing a handgun and demanding cash.
A second suspect, armed and masked, exited a dark-colored Acura reported stolen from Chicago and forced the woman into her home. Once inside, the suspects tied her wrists and ankles using items from the home, including phone cords and rope, ransacked the residence, and stole a credit card, demanding the PIN. Minutes later, they withdrew $2,000 from a bank in Orland Park.
The woman managed to free herself about 20 minutes later and sought help from a neighbor. Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike said the victim was shaken but unharmed. Authorities believe the attack was random but targeted due to her age.
Lemont Police say the second incident occurred Thursday, December 11, around 3 p.m. in the 1100 block of Covington Drive in Lemont. A 65-year-old woman was unloading boxes from her vehicle when the same stolen Acura pulled up. Two masked men with handguns forced her inside her home, bound her, and stole her ATM card and PIN. The suspects then used the card to withdraw cash from a nearby bank.
After the Lemont robbery, law enforcement issued an area-wide alert. Joliet police located the Acura on McDonough Street and attempted a traffic stop, prompting a multi-agency pursuit when the driver fled. The vehicle crashed near Route 52 and Rowell Avenue in unincorporated Will County, and all three suspects ran on foot but were captured shortly after.
Two firearms were recovered at the scene. One suspect was transported to a hospital for evaluation, while the other two were taken to the Will County Sheriff’s Office for questioning.
Authorities confirmed all three suspects are from Chicago and have extensive criminal histories, including prior weapons offenses. One of the offenders is a juvenile. Charges are pending.
Investigators said the striking similarities between the two crimes, including the method, the vehicle, and the victims’ ages, indicated the same group carried out both attacks.
Police urged residents to remain vigilant when arriving home and, if followed or approached, to head immediately to a public area or police station.