A late-night guest at a Joliet apartment is now facing a stack of criminal charges after police say he forced his way back into the same unit and attacked a woman earlier this month. Officers say the first encounter unfolded on Dec. 7 at a Riverwalks Homes unit and that the situation escalated when the same man allegedly returned two weeks later. The woman was treated at the scene for injuries to her face.
According to CBS Chicago, 31-year-old Tyrone Jackson has been charged with home invasion, attempted criminal trespass to residence, criminal trespass to real property, obstructing identification, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct. Police say Jackson had been a guest at the unit the night before the first attack and, after becoming intoxicated, struck the woman several times before the tenant escorted him out.
What Illinois Law Says About Home Invasion
Under the Illinois Compiled Statutes, home invasion is a Class X felony when a person knowingly enters a dwelling while someone is inside or uses force during the entry. Penalties can increase significantly if a weapon is involved or someone is seriously injured. The Illinois General Assembly outlines the full definition of the offense along with sentencing enhancements.
Police Account of the Attacks
CBS Chicago reports that officers first responded around 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 to Riverwalks Homes at 316 N. Bluff St. after a call that several people had forced their way into an apartment. The victim was inside with her son and the tenant when police arrived. Authorities say that around 1 a.m. on Monday, Jackson and a group came back, kicked the door, and yelled for the victim to come out. Officers say they found Jackson outside with 35-year-old Bianca Summers and took both into custody.
Arrests and Next Steps
Will County prosecutors approved charges against Jackson in connection with both the Dec. 7 and Dec. 22 incidents. Summers was charged in the second incident with attempted criminal trespass to a residence, criminal trespass to real property, and disorderly conduct. Court dates had not been released at the time of the report, and authorities have not provided additional details about the ongoing investigation.
