Wheeling man charged with residential burglary

A Wheeling man who prosecutors say entered two residences in the 0-100 block of West Strong Street early Sunday faces residential burglary charges.

Cook County Judge Joseph Cataldo ordered Joseph Morelli, 25, held on $60,000 bail Monday.

Prosecutors say a man observed Morelli, who was carrying a flashlight, in his home about 2:02 a.m. Sunday. The man forced Morelli out of his home, closed the door and called police said Cook County assistant state's attorney Alyssa Grissom.

Morelli, whose background includes misdemeanor convictions for reckless driving, DUI and resisting arrest, is accused of entering a second, nearby residence about 10 minutes later, Grissom said. He fled after that homeowner caught him, she said.

Police officers responding to the 911 call took Morelli into custody after a brief foot chase, Grissom said.

If convicted, Morelli faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. He next appears in court on Aug. 3.