A March 10 break-in on the 500-block of Chicago Avenue ended with a serious arm injury, a hospital trip, and now a Class X felony charge for an Evanston man, according to police. Residents inside the home told officers they barricaded themselves in another room and were not hurt. Responding officers say they found 32-year-old Justin Hernandez near the rear door with a serious wound to his left arm before he was taken to a local hospital and later arrested after being released from medical care.
Scene, arrest, and charges
According to ABC7 Chicago, the homeowner told police the intruder kicked in the back door, grabbed for a knife in the kitchen, and began making threats. Police say officers ultimately found Hernandez still inside the house near the rear door. He has been charged with one felony count of home invasion and is being held at the Cook County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 8 at the Skokie courthouse.
How Illinois law treats home invasion
Home invasion is defined in 720 ILCS 5/19-6 and classified as a Class X felony in Illinois, the top tier for non-murder offenses. The statute allows for a prison sentence that can range from 6 to 30 years, with longer terms possible if weapons are used or someone is seriously injured. That framework means prosecutors can seek substantial prison time if Hernandez is convicted, though he is presumed innocent unless and until that happens.
What comes next
Hernandez remains in custody at the Cook County Jail, and ABC7 Chicago reports his next court date is April 8 at the Skokie courthouse. Court filings and any additional details are expected to surface at that hearing.
