Crime & Safety

Police: Crystal Lake Residents Wake to Intruder; Man Arrested, Faces Charges

A 20-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested this past week after police said he forced his way into a Crystal Lake home during the early morning hours of April 12, according to a Crystal Lake Police Department press release. 

Erasmo William Herrera, of Franklin, Wis., is charged with two counts of criminal trespassing to a residence, criminal damage to a property and battery. 

He is accused of forcing his way into a home in the 200 block of McHenry Avenue in Crystal Lake at about 3:44 a.m. on April 12. 

The residents at the home woke to find an intruder inside. Police said the residents engaged in a brief but violent struggle with Herrera,  which resulted in significant damage to their home. 

The residents were also injured and were later treated on the scene by Crystal Lake Fire and Rescue. 

Herrera, police said, then fled the home and attempted to force his way into a second home in the neighborhood.

When he couldn't get in, he went to a third home in the neighborhood, walked in through an unlocked front door and then exited through the rear door. Police found him in the backyard of that home. 

Following a brief struggle, Herrera was arrested and taken to McHenry County Jail. 

His bond was set at $15,000 during a hearing on April 14. He has since posted his bond and has been released from jail. 


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