Home invasion, sexual assault suspect in bond court

The man suspected of a 2005 Vernon Hills home invasion and sexual assault is in bond court this afternoon after being returned to Lake County by Elgin police Saturday.

Vernon Hills police officials say Rafael D. Gonzalez, 20, was linked to the crime through physical evidence recovered from items in the residence and surrounding area.

Gonzalez fled Lake County in 2005 before he could be arrested, police said in a news release. His bail had been set at $1 million.

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.

For more information see Monday's Daily Herald.