Armed Home Invasion Under Investigation In Wheaton

WHEATON, IL — A Chicago man faces multiple felony charges in connection with an armed home invasion that took place in Wheaton early last Thursday.

Lee Owens, 42, was charged with home invasion with a firearm, armed violence, residential burglary and intimidation.

Police were called to a home in the 200 block of Verdi Court just before 2 a.m. on Oct. 3 for a report that a home invasion was taking place. The resident told police Owens, whom they knew, had forced his way into the home and held them at gunpoint while making threats to harm them.

Owens is accused of fleeing the scene after police arrived. He was taken into custody later that day in Schaumburg, with officers reporting that he had a gun that matched the description the resident had given them.

“This is another example of great intra-agency teamwork,” Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker said in a statement. “Leveraging technology, our officers were able to communicate with partnering law enforcement agencies to quickly locate and apprehend Mr. Owens. Our officers and investigators diligently worked through the night to recover a firearm allegedly used in this violent criminal act."

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin added, "Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we all deserve to feel safe and secure at home. The allegation that Mr. Owens broke down the door to the victim’s residence and threatened the victims while armed with a gun will be met with the full force of the law."

Owens is being held in DuPage County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again Oct. 28.