Neighbors of an Oak Brook home targeted for a home invasion on Friday said it was one of several houses in the neighborhood targeted by burglars in recent months.
However, when the robbers broke in through the back door on Friday, a teenage girl was inside and hiding as they ransacked the house and stole valuables.
“It was a scary situation for a 16 year old girl to be home and have that home violated. A scary situation,” said Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Stockis.
A neighbor called the cops, who responded quickly. They pursued the suspects as they fled into nearby woods. They were able to apprehend Anibal Miller-Valencia, 21, but two other suspects are still at large.
After seeing the shattered glass in the rear entrance, Village Trustee Larry Herman, who lives nearby, called for assistance.
“I observed the suspect leave the house and was able to send police in the direction he ran away,” Herman explained.
Herman claims that thieves broke into his home several months ago.
Miller-Valencia is suspected of being the getaway driver, according to authorities. According to the state’s attorney, he arrived in Miami earlier this month from Chile. Police believe he is a member of an international crime ring.
Miller-Valencia appeared in court on Monday morning, where he was ordered held on $1.5 million bond.
“When somebody breaks into someone’s house at 6pm and there’s a teenaged victim home alone, it’s a frightening event for the community as well,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin.
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