Wisconsin Man Charged With Chicago Suburb Home Invasion, Stabbing

(CBS CHICAGO) — A Wisconsin man has been charged with stabbing four people and a German shepherd early Wednesday during a home invasion in a Chicago northern suburb.

Jacob William Beeman, 29, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, home invasion and aggravated animal cruelty, according to a statement from Buffalo Grove police.

Additional charges are expected to be filed against him.

Beeman, of Arkdale, Wis., broke into the home in the 400 block of St. Mary’s Parkway shortly after midnight, police said. When officers arrived, they found that the front door had been forced open and there were several broken windows.

Police said Beeman believed there were drugs and cash inside the home, although “it is unknown at this time why Beeman believed this information to be true.”

Witnesses told investigators a masked man with a “large hunting knife” repeatedly stabbed the 49-year-old homeowner, police said. Three other residents and the family’s dog were also stabbed.

During the struggle, the homeowner managed to grab a handgun and fire shots, prompting Beeman to run away, police said.

The four victims, all between 16 and 49, were taken to hospitals, where the homeowner was listed in serious condition, police said. He remained hospitalized as of Friday morning. The others were treated and released.

An officer took the dog to the Veterinary Specialty Center, where the animal underwent surgery and is in good condition, police said.

Initial reports indicated that two suspects were involved in the attack, but further investigation revealed that Beeman was the only one to enter the home, police said. The victims saw a second person outside the house, but police have not yet identified that person.

The witnesses gave investigators descriptions of the suspects, and officers from the Wheeling Police Department spotted three people matching the descriptions at East Lake Cook and Weiland roads in Buffalo Grove, police said. A bloodstained hunting knife was also found.

The three were questioned early Wednesday and two were released after being interviewed, police said. Charges against Beeman were approved Friday morning.

Beeman was wanted by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for resisting an officer at the tie of his arrest, police said. He was expected to appear in bond court Friday at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse.

Police said the home invasion was not random, and there is no threat to the community.