Two Arrests Made in Recent Property Crimes

West Chicago, Ilinois: July 16, 2007 - The West Chicago Police Department announced today the arrest of Matthew Slaughter and a 16-year-old male for a variety of property crimes that occurred in the eastern portion of St. Charles as well as the Cornerstone Lakes subdivision, which is in the city limits of West Chicago.  The charges were the result of a joint investigation between the West Chicago and St. Charles Police Departments.

At approximately 1:15 a.m. on Monday July 16, 2007, the St. Charles Police Department notified the West Chicago Police Department that they had received reports of two individuals removing various items of value from unlocked cars in a subdivision adjacent to West Chicago jurisdiction.  This practice is known as "car fishing" or "car hopping."  The suspects had also used garage door opener remotes found in the unlocked cars to open overhead garage doors and then entered the attached garages. 

A West Chicago officer who was in the area of the Cornerstone Lakes Subdivision soon after discovered an open overhead garage door in the subdivision.  The officer's attention was drawn to the open garage door as the light for the opener was on.  The officer investigated and discovered the two suspects inside of the attached garage.

Matthew Slaughter was charged in Kane County with a variety of crimes, including Residential Burglary, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Burglary from Motor Vehicle and Credit Card Fraud.  Charges against Mr. Slaughter for his involvement with the crimes in West Chicago are pending.

The 16-year-old juvenile was charged with one count of criminal trespass to residence in connection with his involvement with the crimes in West Chicago.  This case will be handled through the DuPage County Juvenile Court.

Matthew Slaughter is an 18-year-old resident of Briar Lane in Geneva, IL.

The most serious charge against Matthew Slaughter, Residential Burglary, is Class 1 Felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 4 years and not more than 15 years.

Police would like to remind residents to lock the doors to any vehicle left unattended in their driveway or on the street.

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