Man Shot In Orland Park Home Invasion, Cops ID One Suspect
Updated 05/10/13 - 10:52 a.m.
ORLAND PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- Orland Park police asked for the public's help Friday in tracking down a 27-year-old Crown Point, Ind. man in connection with a home invasion and shooting in Orland Park that left one resident injured.
Authorities announced an arrest warrant has been issued for Anthony M. Espinoza, who is said to be armed and dangerous.
WBBM Newsradio's Dave Berner reports two men broke into a home in the 10900 block of Antelope Lane around 3 a.m. Friday.
Once inside the home, the suspects shot a 30-year-old man inside, stole some cash and jewelry from inside, then fled in a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by a third suspect. Two young children were sleeping inside the home at the time, but they were not harmed.
Man Shot In Home Invasion
Police said the suspects knew the layout of the home, and knew where the master bedroom was located.
"Our investigation – which we're not going to get into at this time – indicates that it was a targeted event, rather than a random event; that people were driving down the street, and picked a home, and broke into it," Orland Park Police Chief Timothy McCarthy said.
He said the victim is a businessman, and police have no indication that he was involved in any kind of illegal activity that would have made him a target.
Detectives believe the suspects shot the victim because he put up a fight. There was a brawl when shots were fired.
The victim had been wounded in the hand, shoulder, and leg.
Even after being shot three times, the victim got into his van and chased the suspects, who shot at his vehicle three times. The victim finally stopped his pursuit at Interstate 80 and LaGrange Road. That's where police found him, and paramedics transported him to the hospital.
The block where the suspects struck is a quiet stretch of homes and trimmed lawns.
"One of my friends texted me at like 6 in the morning, and said 'I hope you're okay, what happened on Antelope?'" neighbor Dave Pygon said.
He said police activity is highly unusual on the block.
"I was glad I had my alarm on is what I was thinking at the time," Pygon said.
The suspects were last seen headed east on Interstate 80.
Orland Park police say they recovered what is believed to be the suspect vehicle in Gary, Ind.
The victim was being treated at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
