Neighbors help Wood Dale cops solve burglary

Three residents gave new meaning to the term "neighborhood watch" when Wood Dale police said they helped nab two would-be burglars.

The two men remained in jail Tuesday, while police continue to hunt a third suspect, who has been identified but his whereabouts is unknown.

Freddy Medina, 30, 717 N. 17th Ave., and Christian L. Villegas, 17, 108 N. 15th Ave., both of Melrose Park, are charged with residential burglary. If convicted, they face four to 15 years in prison.

At 5 p.m. Feb. 2, officers rushed to the 400 block of Forest Preserve Drive in Wood Dale after receiving a 911 call from a resident who reported their neighbor's house was being burglarized.

Wood Dale Deputy Police Chief Greg Vesta said the neighbor, a friend and a 15-year-old boy became suspicious after spotting an unknown young man pacing back and forth on the sidewalk in front of a neighbor's house. At the time, the trio was pulling out of a driveway. They parked nearby and watched as the passenger of a passing van joined the first man on the sidewalk and the two then walked toward the back of the neighbor's house.

Shortly later, the two men were seen again, this time walking away from the house. Vesta said one of them was carrying a laptop.

The two suspects began to run away after the three Good Samaritans, still in their car, approached the two men and asked them about the laptop. The 15-year-old boy subdued Villegas until police arrived.

Officers nabbed Medina two days later.

Police discourage residents from confronting potentially dangerous suspects, but authorities commended the neighbors for their awareness and courage, which may have prevented further crimes.

Anyone with information about the third suspect's whereabouts is urged to contact the police department at (630) 766-2060.