CPD seeks suspect who attacked 71-year-old woman in Auburn Gresham home invasion
CHICAGO (CBS) – A 71-year-old woman now has both legs in a cast, after a man broke into her home and pushed her out a window in a brutal home invasion.
Investigators late Monday released new surveillance video of the attacker hoping someone can identify him. As CBS 2's Jermont Terry reported, the victim was taking an afternoon nap the invader broke in.
The video released by police shows the suspect walking through a backyard toward the home on Friday, April 14, in the 8300 block of South Peoria Street in Auburn Gresham. Lyna Edwards heard noises and awoke to a stranger in her house.
Brandon Edwards, the victim's son, said the invader came in through an inside door around a corner from the front door.
"This door leads to basement, so the basement door is down there – so he must have busted in that way," Edwards said.
Once inside, the intruder ventured upstairs – where he was met by Ms. Edwards.
"She said the guy was threatening to kill her upstairs," said Brandon Edwards. "It's the words she told us. She said, 'I'm going to kill you, B.'"
After a brief scuffle in the hallway, Edwards' mother ran and locked herself in her bedroom. The home invader kicked in the door, Edwards said.
Edwards said his mother had seconds to try to escape – and the window was the only option.
"She started climbing out. He pushed her the rest of the way out," said Brandon Edwards. "It's a steep fall right here."
Ms. Edwards broke both ankles. A pool of blood was left behind inside.
Ms. Edwards spent two days in a hospital, and her family was forced to celebrate Mother's Day at her bedside at rehab. As it is, Ms. Edwards still can't put pressure on her ankles, her son said.
"It hurts to even talk about it," said Edwards.
Edwards is a mother of eight, and also a great grandmother. the video of the attacker captured clear images of him leaving the family's house.
"We need to get this guy - immediately," said Edwards. "There's no telling what he'll do next."
As police search for the attacker, the focus for the family is their matriarch's recovery.
"Everyone's constantly coming in, keeping her spirits up," said Brandon Edwards. "She's doing well, but she's thinking about the situation a lot too."
Despite her injures, we're told Ms. Edwards is still being a mom – and is concerned about her all the people coming and going from the house. But she is a true fighter.
If you're wondering what the attacker stole, he stole a pair of gym shoes and a dehumidifier sitting on a counter – and that was all. That is one reason why family believes the man is dangerous and must be caught.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area 2 at (312) 747-8273. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to CPDTIP.com.