DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 that Andre Bridges, age 35, of the 1300 block of N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb and Nicole Smith, age 40, of the 1500 block of Watkins Lane, Naperville, each appeared in First Appearance Court Wednesday morning where Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for both defendants. Bridges and Smith are suspects in a home invasion that occurred on Monday, July 27, 2026, in unincorporated Naperville.
DuPage County Sheriff’s deputies responded about 1:15 p.m., to the 30W000 block of Capistrano Court for a reported home invasion. Upon arrival, deputies learned that the resident had allegedly been pepper sprayed inside his apartment and that his three-year-old dog had been fatally shot during the incident. Patrol personnel immediately secured the scene, rendered aid, conducted an extensive neighborhood canvass, and began gathering evidence and witness information. Members of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Identification Unit and Animal Control also responded to assist with the investigation.
The investigation was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division. Through interviews, investigative leads, and the execution of search warrants, detectives quickly identified Bridges and Smith as suspects believed to have been involved in the incident.
As a result of the investigation, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following felony charges against the defendants:
Home Invasion – Causing Injury (Class X Felony),
Home Invasion While Armed with a Firearm (Class X Felony)
Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class 4 Felony)
Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No FOID Card (Class 4 Felony)
The case remains an active criminal prosecution.
“The level of cruelty alleged in this case is heartbreaking and extremely disturbing. The unprovoked attack on the victim and subsequent shooting of his defenseless companion, as alleged against the defendants, shows a disturbing level of cruelty and disregard for both human and animal life and a shocking willingness to cause physical and emotional pain to others. In DuPage County we have zero tolerance for the type of behavior alleged in this case and we will prosecute the defendants to the fullest extent of the law. While it is a tragedy that the victim’s dog is no longer with him, we are all very thankful that the victim in this case was not more seriously injured. I thank DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his office whose efforts on this case led to the apprehension of the defendants.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“This case highlights the outstanding teamwork between our Patrol Division, Detectives, Forensic Identification Unit, Animal Control, and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. Our patrol deputies responded quickly to secure the scene and preserve critical evidence, allowing Detective Natyshok and the investigative team to rapidly identify those responsible and obtain felony charges. Their professionalism and dedication resulted in an exceptional investigative outcome.”
— DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office for its continued partnership and assistance throughout this investigation.
As this matter is pending before the court, no further information will be released at this time. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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