Niles teen to be arraigned in December home invasion

NILES

Alexander Howe, 19, of Robbins Avenue, will be arraigned this morning in Niles Municipal Court on an aggravated-burglary charge in the Dec. 30 home-invasion burglary and assault of a 65-year-old woman.

Police arrested Howe Thursday afternoon after an investigation. Police said Howe broke into the back door of a home on North Butler Street at 5 a.m. and severely beat Linda Spano, 65, causing injuries to her face and eyes. She spent several days in the hospital but is recovering, said Capt. Ken Criswell of the Niles Police Department.

Police said Howe took a television, cellphone and other items during the robbery. Spano was able to escape out the back door and pounded on neighbors’ doors to get help, Criswell said.

The neighbors were helpful in providing information used to identify Howe, Criswell added.