House-sitter assaulted, bound in Oak Park home invasion

Police are investigating after a woman house-sitting for a friend was assaulted and bound in a home invasion Thursday evening in west suburban Oak Park.

Officers were called about 6:40 p.m. to a house in the 1000 block of South Oak Park Avenue, where a 27-year-old woman told them a man had forced his way into the home, assaulted her and bound her before running off with $25 in cash, according to a statement from the Village of Oak Park.

The woman was able to free herself and call 911, according to the statement.

She told police she was house-sitting for a friend when the man knocked on the door, asked for a name she didn’t recognize and left. He returned a few minutes later and tried to strike up a conversation, and when she tried to close the door, he forced his way inside and displayed a handgun.

The woman, a Chicago resident, was taken to Rush Oak Park Hospital, where she was treated and released Thursday evening, authorities said.

Police are asking anyone who may have information related to the attack to call (708) 386-3800 or submit an anonymous tip to (708) 434-1636.

“Given the time of day and location, someone may have seen the assailant whether they know it or not,” Police Chief Rick C. Tanksley said in the statement. “That’s why we are urging everyone to think back to yesterday and try and recall anything or anyone that didn’t quite fit in with the rhythm of the neighborhood. Small details could be the key.”