City of Wheaton, IL
10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 16:22
Wheaton Police Arrest Suspect in Alleged Home Invasion
Wheaton Police Chief Princeton Youker and DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin announce the arrest of Lee Owens, 42, of Chicago, who has been charged in connection with an alleged home invasion.
On Oct. 3, 2024, at approximately 1:55 a.m., Wheaton Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Verdi Court for a report of an alleged home invasion in progress. The occupant called 911 to report an individual known to them allegedly forced entry to the residence, pointed a firearm at them and threatened physical harm. The alleged offender fled the residence prior to officers' arrival but was located a short time later and taken into custody. A firearm matching the alleged description provided by the victim was recovered during the investigation.
Lee Owens
of Chicago
Notice to Public: The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant's guilt. Constitutionally, a defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
On Oct. 3, 2024, at approximately 1:55 a.m., Wheaton Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Verdi Court for a report of an alleged home invasion in progress. The occupant called 911 to report an individual known to them allegedly forced entry to the residence, pointed a firearm at them and threatened physical harm. The alleged offender fled the residence prior to officers' arrival but was located a short time later and taken into custody. A firearm matching the alleged description provided by the victim was recovered during the investigation.
The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office approved the following criminal charges:
Home Invasion with a Firearm, a Class X felony
Armed Violence, a Class X felony
Residential Burglary, a Class 1 felony
Intimidation, a Class 3 felony
On Oct. 3, Owens was transported to the DuPage County Jail, and on Oct. 4, DuPage County Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State's motion to detain Owens pre-trial. His next scheduled court date is Oct. 28 at 9 a.m.
"This is another example of great intra-agency teamwork," Chief Youker said. "Leveraging technology, our officers were able to communicate with partnering law enforcement agencies to quickly locate and apprehend Mr. Owens. Our officers and investigators diligently worked through the night to recover a firearm allegedly used in this violent criminal act. I would like to thank the Schaumburg Police Department for their role in locating Mr. Owens and DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin's Office for their assistance throughout this ongoing criminal investigation."
"Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we all deserve to feel safe and secure at home," said DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin. "The allegation that Mr. Owens broke down the door to the victim's residence and threatened the victims while armed with a gun will be met with the full force of the law."
Lee Owens
of Chicago
Notice to Public: The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant's guilt. Constitutionally, a defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.