Two Alsip residents charged with home invasion

Two Alsip residents face charges of home invasion after breaking into a residence last month near Willowbrook, the DuPage County sheriff’s office said Friday.

Mark Stanko, 26, and Tracy Denell, 28, both of the 11000 block of South Avon Street in Alsip, each were charged with single counts of home invasion, armed robbery and residential burglary.

If found guilty of the most serious crimes, they could be incarcerated for up to 30 years, officials said.

Authorities said on Nov. 2, Stanko forced his way into the home near Hampshire Lane West and 91st Street, subdued a homeowner and then sprayed a chemical substance in her face.

Following the attack, Stanko stole valuables and fled, authorities said.

Following a monthlong investigation in collaboration with the Palos Heights Police Department, sheriff’s officials said they discovered other home invasions in the region were similar to the one near Willowbrook.

Authorities said they learned the victims of the attacks were elderly homeowners who recently had furniture delivered.

Officials said they executed a search warrant Thursday night at the home of Stanko and Denell in Alsip and found proceeds from multiple crimes — including the DuPage case.

During an appearance in bond court Friday afternoon, Stanko’s bond was set at $750,000, and Denell’s bond was set at $500,000. They were being held Friday in the DuPage County jail.

Both are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 19.