Joliet Township, Illinois

From SuburbanChicagoNews.com of June 13shotgun, 2007

Police: Attacker armed, but sleepy

Police say that was what happened early Sunday when a suspect allegedly fell asleep on his victim's porch while waiting to attack him.

A 26-year-old man told Will County sheriff's police he returned home around 3 a.m., turned on the light and saw a man lying facedown on the floor of his enclosed porch in the 200 block of Peale Street. The man appeared to be sleeping with a shotgun underneath him.

According to reports, the man, who was later identified as Robert A. Cardona, woke up as the light came on and began struggling with the resident.

But with the advantage of full consciousness, the resident was able to get control of the shotgun and reportedly struck Cardona several times in the face and head with the butt of the weapon.

Police say the two men grappled out to the front yard where the resident removed Cardona's black T-shirt during the fight.

The melee woke up the resident's girlfriend, who had been sleeping inside. She came outside to see the combatants just as Cardona's jean shorts fell off.

The woman "attempted to help her boyfriend (by) jumping on the offender, but was unable to hold on due to his size," according to reports.

Cardona reportedly fled west on foot, wearing only gray underwear.

The residents told deputies they recognized the intruder from the neighborhood and have had several arguments with him recently.

"There appear to be some racial overtones to this incident," said Sheriff's spokesman Pat Barry.
Police broadcast a description of the intruder based on the residents' description.

"Three deputies recognized the offender (as Cardona) right away," Barry said. "They have had several dealings with him in the past."

Sheriff's deputies last arrested Cardona in March on charges of aggravated battery and theft. He was also arrested in November on charges of home invasion, aggravated arson, aggravated battery and mob action.

Deputies visited Cardona's last known address and learned he is living at 115 Jessie St.

According to reports, deputies were allowed inside that house and found Cardona lying on the floor of a bedroom underneath a blood-covered blanket.

"Our deputies did some good work at quickly identifying and locating the offender," Barry said.

Cardona, 21, was arrested and booked into the county jail on charges of home invasion, unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated assault and criminal trespassing. His bond was set at $6,000.