Suspects captured, charged in Elgin home invasion

Two men accused of forcing their way into an Elgin home early Saturday and severely beating a man and a woman in the presence of a 5-year-old child are expected in court today on charges of home invasion and aggravated battery.

Elgin police arrested Modesto Rosales and Jaime Zarate after a brief foot chase outside Rosales’ home in the 300 block of Wilcox.

Police had set up surveillance outside the home as part of an investigation launched about 3:20 a.m. Saturday when officers responded to the 400 block of Raymond Street for a reported battery. Officers determined two offenders had forced their way into a residence and had beaten a 25-year-old man and 20-year-old woman while her child was present, police said. The offenders used a clothes iron to beat the male victim about his face, causing severe injuries, according to police.

The female victim identified one of the suspects as Rosales, a previous boyfriend and father of the five year old, according to a police statement. She identified the second suspect as Jaime Zarate, a known friend of Rosales, police said.

In addition to the home invasion and aggravated battery charge, Rosales also was charged with aggravated domestic battery. If convicted, each man could face up to 30 years in prison.

The male victim was initially transported to Sherman Hospital but then transferred to another hospital due to his extensive facial injuries. The female victim was transported to Sherman Hospital. No updates on their condition were available early Sunday.