Naperville police are looking for a 36-year-old Aurora man they say forced his way into a home before dawn Saturday, attacked a resident, and then took off into the night.
The break-in happened just before 4:30 a.m. in the 700 block of Inland Circle, when a man entered through an unlocked third-floor balcony sliding door, according to police. The resident was injured during the incident but refused medical treatment at the scene.
Officers identified the suspect as Joseph Rush, 36, of Aurora, who police say is known to the victim, according to CBS Chicago. Rush is described as about 6 feet tall and 160 pounds, with short black hair and a black goatee. At the time of the alleged break-in, he was last seen in a white hoodie, black puffy jacket, ripped light-blue jeans, and black gym shoes, police told the station.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Naperville Crime Stoppers or the police non-emergency line, according to the Naperville Police Department. The Crime Stoppers hotline is (630) 420-6006, and the department's non-emergency number is (630) 420-6666.
How Common Are Home Invasions Here?
Naperville's crime picture is still dominated by property offenses, and violent crime remains relatively low compared with bigger metro areas. Per OpenCrime, recent FBI data show Naperville's violent-crime rate well below statewide and national averages, and the city is ranked among the safer midsize communities in the country. That helps explain why a targeted, early-morning break-in on a residential block gets so much attention from detectives and neighbors alike.
Police Reporting and Community Guidance
According to the Naperville Police Department 2025 mid-year report, most reported cases in the city are still property-related, and the department continues to lean on burglary-prevention efforts and community outreach. The report notes the use of Crime Stoppers and similar programs to collect tips quickly and protect evidence in the crucial early hours of an investigation.
In the wake of this latest case, officers are again reminding residents to double-check balcony doors, sliding doors, and other potential entry points, especially overnight, and to save any security video that might help investigators track the suspect's movements.
If you saw anyone matching the description or have security footage from the area around the time of the break-in, police say do not approach the individual; call 9-1-1 right away. For non-emergency tips or anonymous leads, contact Crime Stoppers at (630) 420-6006. We'll update this story as police release more information.
