If last week was the West Suburban Patch "Fire Edition," we'd have to call this week "Crime Edition," with both new and old burglaries, break-ins, hold-ups and worse dominating the news.
Between robberies in Wheaton and Geneva, updates on serious cases from Willowbrook, Indian Head Park and Elmhurst, juvenile delinquency in St. Charles and Batavia, and a man confessing to dozens of vehicle break-ins ... well, if crime news isn't up your alley, skip to the bottom for news about developing Lisle and a neat piece about a Glen Ellyn cobbler.
Check out any or all of the following:
La Grange/La Grange Park——A nanny and three children were locked in a bathroom during an armed home invasion in La Grange.
Burr Ridge——DuPage County Sheriff John E. Zaruba announced the arrest of two suspects who have been charged with a home invasion that occurred in unincorporated Willowbrook in November. The pair have been tied to a string of burglaries targeting the elderly in the south suburbs.
Wheaton——A Wheaton bank was robbed of an unknown amount of money Monday afternoon. The suspect is still at large.
Western Springs——The man charged with the murder of 14-year-old Kelli O'Laughlin has been indicted on 31 felony counts and faces life in prison if convicted.
Geneva——On Monday, there's a bank robbery in downtown Geneva. On Thursday, there's an armed robbery at the Geneva GameStop on Randall Road. The GameStop holdup is the latest in a string of Randall Road armed robberies since Nov. 23.
Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills——All the vehicles were unlocked, Chief Ted Jenkins said, and were located near the BNSF railway. Police have identified victims in Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Westmont and Lombard.
St. Charles——A 14-year-old boy is accused of stealing electronic devices from Richmond Elementary School over the last weekend.
Downers Grove——A woman in a black SUV reportedly asked two kids if they wanted to get in her SUV to go see a house.
Batavia——Police were able to stop a string of car burglaries this week, thanks to an alert resident in this village next to Batavia.
Elmhurst——Zale Hoddenbach is not allowed to have contact with any minors, including his own children. “The allegation is too onerous,” Judge Nicholas Ford said.
Burr Ridge——A local non-profit is woefully in need of toy donations, especially those for young girls. The tough economy means donations are down tens of thousands of dollars, and now the organization needs help to help those who are struggling financially at Christmas.
Lisle——Lisle officials discuss how to better draw new business to downtown after less-than-stellar interest in restaurant grants.
Glen Ellyn——A former Glen Ellyn resident has been walking around in his father's size 9.5 work shoes since 1982. Thanks to Doug Herwaldt's longtime Glen Ellyn business Paul's Shoe Service, Jim Holland's black wing-tip dress shoes, circa 1950, are still fit for use.
