Wood Dale burglary suspect at large after Lombard manhunt

An extensive police manhunt for a suspect wanted for a burglary attempt in Wood Dale was called off Tuesday, with the man at large but an alleged accomplice in tow.

Police say Eugene L. Saunders, 32, of Chicago fled the Wood Dale burglary scene in a green Chevy Malibu, ran into a moving vehicle in Villa Park, then crashed and flipped his car at St. Charles Road and Crescent Drive in Lombard.

Saunders could not be found after multiple searches of the wooded residential neighborhood in Lombard where he last was seen, police said.

Saunders and another man, Nakia Tyler, 36, of Chicago, attempted to commit a burglary on the 400 block of George Street in Wood Dale about 11:40 p.m. Monday, police said.

The two were spotted and fled the scene, but Tyler was captured immediately and charged with conspiracy and residential burglary. Wood Dale police said. Saunders then fled in his car until he crashed about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Lombard Police Chief Ray Byrne said K-9 units, a helicopter and numerous officers from neighboring agencies set up a perimeter and began to systematically hunt for the fugitive, but the man was not found.

The manhunt was called off Tuesday morning, he said.

“We did a secondary ground search early this morning, checking garages, backyards and cars,” Byrne said. “But he wasn’t found. So, we are telling people they can return to their normal business, but if they see anything suspicious, to call 9-1-1 right away.”

Anyone with information about Saunders’ whereabouts is asked to call Wood Dale police at (630) 766-2060.