Suspect Nabbed After OL Resident Finds Him Lurking In Garage: Police

OAK LAWN, IL — A known, convicted burglar was apprehended after a homeowner found him in his garage Thursday morning, requiring Oak Lawn schools to be placed on soft lockdown for several hours, police said.

Around 10:15 a.m., Oak Lawn police arrived within seconds to an armed person call at a home near 94th Street and Parkside Avenue. When officers arrived, police said the man, later identified as Ryan Dace, 36, had already fled the property.

Officers established a parameter and area schools were placed on soft lockdown. The homeowner told police he confronted Dace in his backyard after seeing him in the detached garage, according to police.

According to the homeowner, Dace lifted his hooded sweatshirt and displayed what he believed to a gun in his waistband. The Oak Lawn police drone task force deployed a drone and began a search of the area and found Dace, who was several yards away, police said.

An officer watching the perimeter said he saw Dace exiting a yard. By then, police said, Dace had changed some of his clothes and ditched some items. Officers searched the area for a gun, and did not find any weapons. Dace had a large belt and belt buckle that was perceived to be a gun, police said. He was stopped and taken into custody.

Police said Dace is a known burglar and felon. He is believed to homeless and has a last known address in Crete.

Dace is facing misdemeanor assault and criminal trespass charges. He was processed and released until his next court hearing on May 21.