Axe-Wielding Home Intruder Still At Large

JOLIET, IL — The Will County State's Attorney's Office filed criminal charges this week against a Washington state man accused of breaking into a home on Joliet's west side with an axe. The crime happened nearly three weeks ago in the 3500 block of Pandola Avenue, but police say the axe-wielding intruder has not yet been caught.

The criminal complaint states that around 11 a.m. on Feb. 5, Allen Gillaspie entered a woman's house on Pandola Avenue while armed with an axe and "threatened the imminent use of force" against the woman.

The home invasion happened in the neighborhood between Addleman and Susan streets. Joliet police said the homeowner fled to a neighbor's house after hearing the man shatter her sliding glass back door.

In addition to home invasion, Gillaspie is charged with residential burglary, criminal trespass to a residence, criminal damage to property, possession of burglary tools and aggravated assault.

According to the complaint, Gillaspie used his axe to break into the house intending to commit a burglary. Gillaspie's damage to the woman's house exceeded $500 but not $10,000, court records show.

Gillaspie was a stranger to the victim, Joliet police said.

"Upon arrival, officers determined that the resident observed a Caucasian male later identified as Gillaspie driving a vehicle that pulled into her driveway," Sgt. Dwayne English told Joliet Patch. "Gillaspie walked to the rear of the home while carrying an axe. He approached the rear glass sliding door, at which time Gillaspie shattered the glass door with the axe and entered the home. The resident then fled to a neighbor’s home and called 911. "

Gillaspie fled in a vehicle before police arrived. Officers determined that Gillaspie’s vehicle had a Washington state license plate.

The Will County Warrants website lists the charges against Gillaspie, but the website does not have any photos showing what Gillaspie looks like.

He is from Lynnwood, Wash., courthouse records show.