Couple Rescued After Armed Home Invasion and Standoff in Arlington Heights

Armed Home Invasion Reported on North Chestnut Avenue

Just after 7:30 a.m. on February 19, police in Arlington Heights, Illinois, responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a home on the 800 block of North Chestnut Avenue. Authorities later determined that the incident was an armed home invasion involving a couple who were inside the residence.

According to police, the couple in the home took shelter in a room while a man moved through the residence. The woman told a 911 dispatcher that the suspect entered through the garage door and was in her bedroom taking items. She stated on the call that she initially believed the person entering was her husband, then realized it was not, and later located her husband so they could hide together.

Couple Hides as Suspect Moves Through Home

During the 911 call, the woman informed the dispatcher that she and her husband were hiding below a bed in a bedroom. When asked whether the suspect knew they were there, she said she did not know, adding that the suspect was wearing a hoodie. She later reported that the suspect was attempting to break their door down.

Roughly four and a half minutes into the call, the sound of police arriving at the scene can be heard, followed by a gunshot. The homeowner then stated that officers were in the house and that something had been shot. Police subsequently confirmed that the suspect had opened fire at officers as they entered the home.

Police Tactical Response and Rescue

After the initial gunfire, officers developed a tactical plan, returning with seven officers to confront the suspect and rescue the couple. The couple remained in hiding for nearly 10 more minutes while a large police response assembled outside the residence. Audio from the 911 call captures the moment officers reached the couple, with the homeowner stating that officers were getting them out.

Police successfully removed the couple from the home and took them to safety. No injuries to the couple were reported in the information provided. The response involved multiple officers and specialized units, including SWAT, who surrounded the house during the incident.

Suspect Surrenders After Hours-Long Standoff

Authorities stated that more than seven hours after officers first responded, 50-year-old Alex Pacino surrendered and was taken into custody. Pacino was charged with one count of home invasion and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm.

The Arlington Heights police chief said that seven people, including five officers, a sergeant, and a police commander, will receive a medal of valor for their actions in safely rescuing the couple. The awards are scheduled to be presented at a village hall meeting on March 16.