Sheriff's Department Investigating Attempted Residential Burglary

Effingham County Sheriff's Department is investigating an attempted residential burglary in the Beecher City area.

The homeowner was in the basement of the residence when she heard a noise upstairs. Believing her husband had returned home, the woman went upstairs and discovered a man coming out of a bedroom. The man was described as being in his 20s with dark hair. The man was heavy-set and smoking a cigarette. He was wearing a camouflage hat and shorts.

When the intruder saw the homeowner, he fled the residence and left in an older model dirty white car with loud exhaust. It was later discovered the man gained entry to the residence by damaging the front door. The homeowner was not confronted or injured by the intruder.

The incident occurred about 4:30pm Wednesday. The home is located 1-1/2 miles south of Beecher City in a rural area.

Sheriff's Department authorities say the intentions of the intruder are not known, but it's believed he intended to burglarize the residence. The Sheriff's Office is working to solve recent residential and vehicle burglaries, and Sheriff Dave Mahon asks anyone who might have information on the incident to contact the Sheriff's Office at 217-342-2101. The Sheriff said, "Your information might be the lead we need to solve this case before the suspect attempts another theft in our county."