Man charged with Streamwood burglary, arson
A New York man who authorities say broke into a Streamwood home last week, stole several items and tried to light a mattress on fire using a roll of paper towels faces charges of arson, residential burglary and forgery.
According to authorities, Sherzod Patidinov, 34, left behind a laptop bag containing copies of his driver's license, passport and an employee ID card from a taxi company that led to his identification. He was ordered held on $75,000 bail.
On Jan. 21, upon returning to the home, a resident noticed screens removed from windows near the front door and footprints in the snow. The resident also noticed handprints on a second-floor rear window and urine on the back door, said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Jennifer Gates.
The same resident returned from shopping later that day and noticed a debit card, jewelry and two laptops missing. In the kitchen, authorities said, police found Patidinov's laptop bag with his identifying information. One of the residents identified him as a former family member.
The owner of the debit card noticed an unauthorized $100 transaction for a taxi service.
A cabdriver identified Patidinov as the person he drove to a pawnshop, Gates said.
Another cabdriver told authorities that later in the evening, he drove Patidinov from Evanston to the Streamwood address, where they spent about 10 minutes. That's when authorities say the defendant used a roll of paper towels to set a mattress afire. The residents were not there at the time. Hearing the fire alarm, a neighbor called police, Gates said.
Authorities arrested Patidinov Friday. He next appears in court on Feb. 4.