Glenview Man Identified As Home Invader Who Helped Duct-Tape Evanston Couple, Steal Paintings
EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) – A 51-year-old Glenview man has been arrested in connection with an Evanston home invasion in which suspects duct-taped an elderly couple and stole valuable works of art.
Evanston police say Michael Karabatsis was one of three offenders who stormed a home in the 2200 block of Central Street on April 13 and made off with paintings and prints.
Detectives traced the artwork to a Morton Grove coin shop, where they had been left for sale on consignment, Evanston police said in a news release. The trail led to Karabatsis, who was charged Wednesday with one count of home invasion, a Class X felony.
One of the victims told CBS 2 shortly after the robbery that the suspects fooled them into thinking they were making a delivery. The offenders knocked the couple to the ground before restraining them with duct tape. Police initially valued the four stolen works of art at between $100,000 to $200,000. One reportedly was a painting by artist Giuseppe Guerreschi.
Police still seek the other two offenders. Anyone with information can call detectives at (847) 866-5040.
