House sitter says she was assaulted during home invasion in Oak Park, police say

OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- Police are investigating after a woman says she was assaulted during a home invasion in Oak Park.

The 27-year-old was house sitting at a home in the 1000-block of South Oak Park Avenue around 6:40 p.m. Thursday when she said a man forced his way into the home, assaulted and bound her before fleeing with $25, police said.

The victim said the offender knocked on the door, asking for a name she did not know. She told police that he left but then returned a few minutes later, forcing his way through the door with a handgun after attempting to engage her in conversation, police said.

The woman was transported to Rush Oak Park Hospital and released later Thursday evening. She described the offender as an African American male, but has been unable to provide any other details to police.

Police on the scene say there is no threat to the community and that they are looking for a suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Oak Park police at 708-383-3800.

"It worries me now. I have two little kids myself and a wife at home. It worries me to see this on the block," said Nick Tsagaris, an Oak Park resident.