Homer Glen, IL — A 73-year-old woman was violently ambushed, tied up, and held at gunpoint inside her own home in Homer Glen on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred around 2:48 p.m. in the 16800 block of S. Deer Path Drive while the victim was unloading groceries.
Authorities say the woman had just pulled into her garage when she was confronted by a man in a hoodie, who aimed a gun at her and demanded money. Moments later, a second suspect forced her inside the home.
The suspects allegedly tied her wrists and ankles using items found inside the residence, keeping her restrained in a chair as they searched for valuables. They then removed a credit card from her purse, demanded her PIN number, and fled the scene.
Suspects Withdraw $2,000 After Robbery
According to investigators, the suspects traveled to a bank in Orland Park, where they withdrew $2,000 from the woman’s account.
Before leaving, the assailants took her cell phone, telling her she could call police but they would be “long gone” by the time she freed herself.
After approximately 20 minutes, the victim managed to escape the restraints and make her way to a neighbor’s home to call 911.
Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike said the victim is “shaken but doing okay” and emphasized that while the attack appeared random, she was likely chosen because of her age and vulnerability.
Stolen Vehicle Believed to Have Followed Victim Home
Authorities believe the suspects followed the woman home in a dark-colored Acura, later confirmed to be stolen out of Chicago. Surveillance and investigative leads helped authorities track the vehicle as they worked to locate the offenders.
Police Pursuit and Crash Lead to Arrests
Late Thursday evening, the Will County Sheriff’s Office reported that three suspects were taken into custody after a multi-agency pursuit.
According to the update:
- Joliet Police spotted the suspect vehicle on McDonough Street
- Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled
- A coordinated pursuit ended when the Acura crashed near Route 52 and Rowell Avenue in unincorporated Will County
- Three suspects fled on foot
- A perimeter was established, and all three were eventually captured
Police say all three offenders have extensive criminal histories, including weapons-related offenses, and one suspect is a juvenile. One was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Possible Connection to Lemont Robbery
Mayor Neitzke-Troike revealed that a similar robbery occurred earlier on Thursday in Lemont, and that the suspects in that case were also taken into custody.
However, the Will County Sheriff’s Office has not yet confirmed whether the two incidents are connected.
Community on Edge, Investigation Ongoing
The brutal nature of the attack has unsettled residents of Homer Glen, a community known for low crime rates. Authorities are reassuring the public that they are actively investigating and reviewing evidence to determine if more suspects are involved.
The victim is expected to recover physically, but the emotional toll remains significant.
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