Authorities say a quick-moving home burglary crew that rattled Lake County suburbs is now off the street. Two men from Arlington Heights and Chicago were arrested this week in what investigators describe as a residential burglary spree in Lincolnshire, Highland Park, and unincorporated areas of Gurnee and Libertyville. In several cases, a suspect allegedly yelled "fire" to scare residents, then slipped into homes to grab jewelry before taking off in a black GMC pickup. Detectives say they later recovered stolen jewelry and other items, and prosecutors have signed off on felony charges.
Arrests and charges
On December 4, detectives arrested 18-year-old Matthew Ristick of Chicago and 26-year-old Kevin Miller of Arlington Heights. The Lake County State's Attorney approved four counts of residential burglary against Ristick and one count against Miller, all Class 1 felonies, according to a release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The multi-agency investigation involved the Lincolnshire Police Department, Highland Park Police Department, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, and the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force (NORTAF. Both men were booked into the Lake County jail and ordered held pending detention hearings, the release states.
How investigators tracked them
Detectives say the break in the case came from surveillance video. According to reporting by Arlington Cardinal, police followed a black GMC pickup on camera from a BP gas station into multiple neighborhoods and tied it to the burglaries using timestamped footage, neighbor security systems, and matching footprints. Investigators say they repeatedly found a distinctive grid-square tread pattern at several scenes. A maintenance worker reportedly confronted a suspect inside a Libertyville home, then later picked him out in a photo lineup. Authorities allege one suspect shouted "fire" to scare residents during at least two of the entries and say officers later spotted what they believe were burglary proceeds in plain view during the arrest.
Victims and recovered evidence
Residents told police the burglaries were costly. One Lincolnshire household estimated $10,000 to $15,000 in missing jewelry, while a Gurnee victim reported three rings, 12 necklaces and two jewelry boxes gone, according to local reporting by Lake McHenry Scanner. Prosecutors and detectives also point to physical evidence, including a blue surgical glove dropped during a confrontation, which they say lines up with what is seen on surveillance video. NORTAF and area detectives are still processing evidence and say additional charges could be filed.
What's next in court
According to Arlington Cardinal, Ristick is scheduled to appear in Lake County Courtroom 020 on January 2, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Miller's next hearing is set for December 17, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Judges ordered both men held after detention hearings on December 5, with prosecutors arguing they carried out multiple burglaries in a short span of time. Officials say jail booking records show both defendants were brought to the Lake County jail following their arrests.
What residents should know
Investigators say the suspects appeared to target older homeowners and relied on quick distractions, including shouting "fire," to create openings to slip inside. NORTAF and the Lake County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate, according to the county release. Officials urge homeowners to verify any reported emergency by calling 911 rather than opening the door, to keep security systems armed and to report suspicious vehicles or people to local police. Anyone with information or video related to the incidents is asked to contact investigators through the involved agencies.
