Man wanted in Vernon Hills home invasion nabbed in Elgin

The man suspected of a 2005 home invasion and sexual assault is in Lake County jail today after being arrested by Elgin police over the weekend during a traffic stop.

Bond was set at $1 million Sunday for Rafael D. Gonzalez, 20. Gonzalez's next court appearance is Jan. 21.

Vernon Hills police officer Jim Levicki said Gonzalez was linked to the 2005 crime through physical evidence recovered from items in the residence and surrounding area.

A 48-year-old Vernon Hills woman told police a man armed with a knife broke into her house in the 700 block of Court of Spruce, confronted her as she slept and sexually assaulted her.

Gonzalez fled Lake County in 2005 before he could be arrested, Levicki said.

Gonzalez reportedly moved back to Mexico for about a year and then to Arizona, where he was currently residing.

He came back to Illinois to visit for the holidays, Levicki said.