Homeowner battered after catching burglar red-handed, police say

Two suspected burglars reportedly beat a Wilmette man after he caught them in the act on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

The victim was treated for his injuries but did not require hospitalization, according to Patrick Collins, deputy chief of the Wilmette Police Department.

Collins said police are looking for two male suspects who fled the scene in the 400 block of Beverly Drive in a red SUV or station wagon.

According to the police report, a resident was napping in his home around 6:50 p.m. Tuesday when he was awoken by noise in the home. 

The victim reportedly discovered an unknown male subject rummaging through drawers in the master bedroom and holding a pillow case containing stolen items.

According to Collins, when confronted, the offender told the resident to call the police because he had just been robbed. 

The offender ran, Collins said, and the resident gave chase, catching up to the thief and grabbing him near a car parked on the street.

A struggle ensued, and Collins said the offender struck the resident multiple times with his fist and foot. An “accomplice” who was in the car also kicked the resident, Collins said, before the two got back in the vehicle and drove northbound on Beverly Drive.

Police say the resident was able to retrieve the pillowcase with some of the stolen items before the offenders fled. Police believe the offenders did get away with some stolen jewelry from the residence.

The victim described the offenders as men in their late 20s to early 30s. One was described as a White male with dirty blonde hair and an athletic build who was wearing a blue jacket and the other a male who is either Asian or Hispanic and is short and stocky.