A woman was arrested in Deerfield and a child, whom she threatened to take to Mexico, was safe after police say she crashed into a home in Huntley, burglarized the residence and left it in disarray.
The Huntley Police Department responded around 3 a.m. Sunday to the 11600 block of Joan Avenue in Huntley for a report of a residential burglary.
The homeowners, who were out of town, observed an unknown vehicle in their driveway on their security cameras, according to Huntley Deputy Police Chief Kevin Keane.
Officers arrived and found signs of forced entry along with extensive damage inside the home.
Items were strewn about, furniture was overturned, faucets were left running and a reptile aquarium containing geckos had been smashed, Keane said.
Exterior security footage showed Diana A. Fridley, 41, of Pingree Grove, driving her vehicle through the garage door to gain entry, Keane said.
Fridley then allegedly struck an unoccupied vehicle parked inside the garage with her car.
Keane said Fridley, who is the soon-to-be ex-wife of one of the homeowners, was seen on video leaving the home with a pair of Nike Retro Jordan 4 shoes valued at $220.
The Pingree Grove Police Department assisted and located Fridley’s damaged vehicle near her residence in Pingree Grove.
A second vehicle, along with Fridley and her 10-year-old child, was missing.
Officers used cell phone and license plate recognition data to determine she was in Deerfield, Keane said.
The Deerfield Police Department located the vehicle and took Fridley into custody.
She was later transported to Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital for medical treatment.
Keane said the child was unharmed and released to a family member.
Court documents said Fridley had stated she was going to Mexico and taking her and the victim’s child.
Fridley was charged with residential burglary, criminal damage to property over $500, cruelty to animals, theft under $500, criminal trespass to residence and leaving the scene of a traffic crash.
She was transported to McHenry County Jail and appeared in Initial Appearance Court on Monday.
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Fridley pending trial and the request was granted by McHenry County Judge Mary Nader.
Keane said the case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Huntley Police Department at 847-515-5311.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling the Huntley Police Tip Line at 847-515-5333.
Fridley is scheduled to appear in court again on February 23 for a status of preliminary hearing.