Elgin man convicted of home invasion

An Elgin man faces up to 30 years in prison after a jury convicted him this week of forcing his way into a home and injuring two people, including his ex-girlfriend, officials said.

Luis A. Tovar, 36, of the 1300 block of Cimarron Drive, was found guilty of two counts of home invasion, according to the Kane County state's attorney's office.

The charges stem from an March 15, 2009 incident in which authorities said Tovar shoved his way into a residence on the 300 block of Yarwood Street in Elgin, demanding to see an ex-girlfriend.

He then picked up the woman, pulled her hair and threw her to the floor, prosecutors said. A struggle broke out with other people in the residence, one of whom Tovar punched in the right eye.

Tovar fled in a taxi, but was arrested when police stopped the vehicle near the scene and found him hiding under a blanket in the back seat.

Circuit Judge Thomas E. Mueller set Tovar's next court date for June 11, when he is expected to be sentenced. He faces between six and 30 years in prison, authorities said.