Local Police Reports

Two in Park Forest Charged with Sexual Assault, Home Invasion


James Romaine, age 22, Park Forest
James Romaine, age 22. (Photo: PFPD)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Park Forest police arrested and charged a 22-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy in connection with a sexual assault and home invasion in the 300 block of Somonauk Street, according to police.

According to a release from the Park Forest Police Department, police responded to the area of Somonouk and Shabbona regard a report of a dog running loose on Thursday, February 28, at approximately 10:30 p.m. While investigating that matter, police located a residence that had apparently been burglarized in the 300 block of Somonauk Street but found no one home, according to police.

A woman ran up to the house while officers were present, according to police. She told police she was the owner of the house, according to police. She said that she had come home earlier and, as she entered her home, was confronted by a man and the teenager who were already inside her residence, one of whom was armed with a firearm, according to police.

The victim was battered and sexually assaulted during the confrontation and was then forcibly driven away from her house in her vehicle by the suspects, according to police. She was released approximately two blocks away from her residence after being driven around for a period of time, and ran home, according to police.

The suspects then fled, according to police.

The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Park Forest investigators responded and assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services was requested.

According to police, the suspects were located in the morning hours of Friday, March 1, at which time the two were held while the investigation continued.

On March 3, after further investigation, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved Class X felony charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault and home invasion against both offenders, with additional charges expected, according to police.

Police identified the suspects as 22-year-old James Romaine of the 400 block of Tomahawk in Park Forest and a 16-year-old juvenile from the 200 block of Mantua in Park Forest.


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