WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. — A 36-year-old Willow Springs man, William O’Brien, has been charged with multiple crimes after allegedly breaking into two homes and attacking a homeowner in Western Springs earlier this week, police reported Friday.
O’Brien faces charges including home invasion, residential burglary, aggravated battery, and unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, according to Western Springs police.
Police say O’Brien fled from UChicago Medicine Advent Health La Grange Hospital on Wednesday before breaking into a home on the 5000-block of Harvey Avenue in Western Springs that same afternoon.
He then allegedly entered a second home on the 200-block of Rugeley Road, assaulted the 70-year-old homeowner—who suffered a broken arm—and stole his car.
O’Brien was apprehended Wednesday evening in Willow Springs while driving the stolen vehicle.
The first home targeted was near the hospital. The homeowner reported that O’Brien entered through the back door while his wife and young son were inside. The suspect reportedly stole clothing before escaping out the front window just as police arrived.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed awareness of the incident and said they are cooperating with law enforcement.
