Buffalo Grove home invasion was second one in a month at same complex

The home invasion in a Buffalo Grove condo early Saturday morning was the second in about a month at the same complex, police said Tuesday.

According to police, a woman in her 20s on the 1100 block of Miller Lane woke up early Saturday morning to find a man straddling her in bed. He ran away when she struggled, but Buffalo Grove police are increasing patrols and warning residents to be on alert.

There was a similar attack about a month ago, but it went unreported until Saturday's attack came to light, said Commander James Newton.

"It was the same apartment complex and similar circumstances," Newton said. "Right now we don't know if they are related, but they are similar so we're checking into it."

In Saturday's incident, police believe the man came in through an unlocked patio door and ran out the same way, Newton said.

There was no weapon used and police said the woman, who lived in her condo alone, was uninjured, he added.

It is not known if the door was unlocked in the home invasion a month ago, or if the offender actually broke in.

No suspects have been identified. Police are gathering evidence from the woman's apartment involved in Saturday's attack, and creating a sketch of the man.

Police don't know if the man lives in the complex, but investigators think Saturday's attack was random and not done by someone who knew the victim, Newton said.

The suspect is described as a white male between 30 and 40 years old, standing about 5-foot-9, with an average build, short brown receding hair, no facial hair and a slight tan. He was last seen wearing a plaid shirt, pants and no shoes.

Newton said police have stepped up patrols at the condo complex, both with marked and unmarked officers. They are giving residents tips on how to stay safe.

"Keep patio doors locked at all times. Call us if there are any suspicious people or cars in the area," he said.

Neighbors said the area is generally safe and residents often keep doors and windows open in the summer to help cool down their units.

"It is scary. This is a quiet, safe place where you can feel comfortable leaving everything open, at least you could before," said resident Lainie Levinson.

Levinson said she saw police officers around the complex all weekend and has noticed an increase in patrols since the attack.

She said in the eight years she has lived at Mill Creek condos she has always felt comfortable leaving her door open, but that is now changing.

"it's scary to think you have to do that now," Levinson said. "And to think that something like this could happen in the suburbs."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Buffalo Grove detectives at (847) 459-2560.