Axe-Wielding Joliet Home Intruder Captured In California: Chief

JOLIET, IL — A 37-year-old Washington state man who used an axe to shatter a glass window during a daytime home invasion on Joliet's west side has been captured in California, Joliet police announced Monday.

Allen Gillaspie was booked into the Will County Jail over the weekend on charges of home invasion, residential burglary, criminal trespass to a residence, criminal property damage, possession of burglary tools and aggravated assault, Joliet police announced.

Joliet Patch broke the news on Feb. 24 that a bench warrant was issued for Gillaspie's arrest.

“The Joliet Police Department wishes to extend our gratitude to the Santa Barbara Police Department for their assistance in locating and placing Mr. Gillaspie into custody," Joliet Police Chief Dawn Malec said in Monday's news release.

Joliet police say they learned a few weeks ago that Gillaspie may be in Southern California.

Officers with the Santa Barbara Police Department in California took Gillaspie into custody without incident for a Will County arrest warrant. Gillaspie was subsequently extradited to the Will County Adult Detention Facility on Saturday, Joliet Police Sgt. Dwayne English said.

Back on Feb. 5, Joliet police officers responded to a home invasion around 11:10 a.m. in the 3500 block of Pandola Avenue. The man who committed the crime was wielding an axe, police said. The home invasion happened in the neighborhood between Addleman and Susan streets.

According to Joliet police, Gillaspie pulled into the victim's driveway and walked to the rear of the woman's home while carrying an axe. He approached her rear glass-sliding door and shattered the glass door with the axe and entered the home, police reports show.

The resident ran to a neighbor's house and called 911. Gillaspie drove off before Joliet police got to the house, reports show.

"Officers determined that Gillaspie’s vehicle had a Washington state registration," police said. On Feb. 19, the Will County State’s Attorney Office approved charges and an arrest warrant was issued for Gillaspie.