Police have announced an arrest after three suspects forced their way into an elderly woman’s home and held her in place before ransacking her house in Lake Forest.
The home invasion happened just before 8 p.m. on April 27 in the 1000 block of West Deerpath Road in Lake Forest.
The homeowner reported three male subjects dressed in black forced their way into the residence and stole multiple pieces of jewelry.
Lake Forest Deputy Police Chief Kevin Zelk said the homeowner, a female in her 80s, was present at the time of the incident.
She heard heavy knocking at the door before it was forced open.
The three suspects entered the residence and two immediately went upstairs, Zelk said.
The third told the homeowner her house was on fire and grabbed her by the shoulders, holding the victim in place during the incident. The homeowner was uninjured.
While in the home, the offenders targeted specific items, including jewelry, Zelk said.
The suspects arrived and fled in a black pickup truck, possibly a Dodge Ram.
The offender who grabbed the homeowner was described as a white male. The other two offenders were described as males wearing dark face masks.
Zelk said detectives learned of similar burglaries involving the offenders and a black pickup truck in other North Shore communities.
Detectives identified one of the suspects as Spanky Miller, 18, of Chicago.
An arrest warrant for Miller was obtained after the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case.
Miller is charged with residential burglary, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass to residence. Miller is also facing charges in Cook County.
Members of the North Regional Burglary Task Force (NORTAF) took Miller into custody on Thursday.
Zelk said it is unknown when Miller will be transported to Lake County for a First Appearance Court hearing.
Interim Chief of Police Michael Lange lauded the work of members of the Lake Forest Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation and NORTAF for its assistance in the case.
“While incidents like these are extremely rare, we understand the impact they have on our community,” Lange said.
“From the moment this crime occurred, our officers and investigators have been determined to bring those responsible to justice,” he added.
The investigation and identification of the remaining offenders is ongoing.