3 Break Into, Burglarize Homes In Downers Grove, Woodridge: Cops


Police say they broke into the homes as the residents slept and threatened to kill one elderly woman if she didn't follow directions.

WOODRIDGE, IL — Three people have been charged with breaking into and burglarizing a home in Downers Grove and another home in Woodridge Thursday. Tyler Sample, 21, of Peoria, Darion Yates, 21, of Bolingbrook, and Rose Marie Medrano, 26, of Darien, have been charged with home invasion, aggravated robbery, residential burglary, and robbery of a person over 60 years old in connection with the incident.

Police say that around 9 p.m., Medrano knocked on a door in the 900 block of Curtiss Street in Downers Grove and asked to use the phone. As the three residents at home were letting Medrano in, Sample and Yates are accused of forcing their way into the apartment and saying, “I have a gun.”

Once inside the home, Medrano, Sample, and Yates are accused of stealing cellphones, debit, and credit cards. Police say Sample punched one of the residents in the face during an altercation before fleeing.

Around 9:40 p.m. that same night, police say an 81-year-old woman who lives in the 8400 block of Ula Avenue heard a loud noise and went downstairs to find Sample and Yates inside her home. The victim told police Sample and Yates threatened to come back and kill her if she did not follow instructions.

Sample and Yates are accused of stealing a gold watch, a wallet, and a laptop before fleeing the scene.

Sample, Yates, and Medrano were taken into custody following an investigation.

In a statement, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said, “The terror allegedly caused by these defendants – forcing their way at into their victims’ homes, threatening them and physically assaulting one of them almost unimaginable. Thanks to the outstanding work of the Downers Grove and Woodridge Police Departments however, the defendants’ crime spree was short-lived. The quick identification and apprehension of the suspects in this case is an outstanding example of the cooperation and teamwork that all DuPage County law enforcement agencies share.”

Woodridge Police Chief Brian Cunningham said, “The blatant targeting of an elderly woman in a violent manner is difficult to comprehend. I’m thankful our officers were able to put a stop to this crime spree and prevent future acts of violence.”

Sample and Yates are currently being held in DuPage County Jail without bond. Medrano is being held on $500,000 bond. All three are set to appear in court again on Jan. 6.




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