Palatine police say a 29-year-old man who neighbors spotted lurking at ground-floor windows on the 1700 block of North Rose Avenue is now in custody after a string of attempted break-ins earlier this month. Officers arrested Jonny Hernandez-Mendoza on Thursday after an investigation into reports of a man at several apartment windows between early and mid-June. At least one unit had property damage, but police say no one actually made it inside any residence.
Police: Charges And Next Steps
According to FOX 32 Chicago, Hernandez-Mendoza faces five counts of attempted criminal trespass to a residence, five counts of disorderly conduct and one count of criminal damage to property. Detectives identified him during their follow-up and took him into custody on those charges.
Hernandez-Mendoza is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 3 in Rolling Meadows. Police are also asking anyone who believes they experienced a similar incident in the area to contact the Palatine Police Investigations Bureau at (847) 359-9000.
Residents Reported Late-Night Activity
The Daily Herald reports that multiple neighbors called police after spotting a man manipulating window screens and trying to open windows overnight between June 5 and June 17. Those late-night sightings kicked off the investigation that eventually led detectives to Hernandez-Mendoza.
Investigators say their work also uncovered information tying him to similar reports at the same apartment complex dating back to December 2024, according to the outlet.
Legal Implications
All of the charges remain allegations at this stage, and police note that Hernandez-Mendoza is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. His arraignment, along with any bond decision or possible additional charges, will be handled in Rolling Meadows when he appears on Aug. 3, FOX 32 Chicago reports.
How Neighbors Can Help
As detectives continue to piece together what happened, Palatine police are urging residents to look back at any doorbell or security-camera footage from earlier this month and share anything that might help the case. Anyone who noticed suspicious activity near the 1700 block of North Rose Avenue between early June and mid-June is asked to contact the Palatine Police Investigations Bureau at (847) 359-9000, according to the Daily Herald.
