Woman, 86, assaulted during Oak Lawn home invasion, police say

OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) -- Police are searching for a man who broke into a home early Thursday morning, then assaulted and robbed an 86-year-old woman in southwest suburban Oak Lawn.

Family members at the victim's home say they are still in shock. They have a hard time understanding why anyone would hurt an elderly woman. Neighbors agree.

"You'd have to have no soul or conscience, you know. Who knows, it's just bad," said Chris Beasley, a neighbor.

Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, police said the woman heard a loud noise and found damage when she checked the door of her home in the 9000-block of 51st Avenue. A short time later, police said a man forced open the door of her home, then physically assaulted the female resident and took items from the home before fleeing. The woman was unable to contact police for more than an hour after the incident, police said.

Police said they didn't know if the attack was random, or if the victim was targeted. Officers went door-to-door on Thursday warning people about the crime and reminding residents to use deadbolts on their doors and motion-sensing lights. Police say they are unsure whether this was a random crime or the victim was targeted.

The victim's family says she remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Oak Lawn Police Department at (708) 422-8292.