ELIZABETH, Ill. — The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 24-year-old Elizabeth man in connection with residential burglaries reported in the early morning hours of July 30, 2026.

According to a media release from the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 4:29 a.m. to a report of a suspected burglary in progress at a residence on W. Catlin Street in Elizabeth. Upon arrival, investigators determined that an individual had unlawfully entered the home by breaking through an exterior window. The residence was occupied by a single adult female at the time. The suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived.

A subsequent investigation identified Keenan W. Ortmeier, 24, of Elizabeth, as the suspect. Deputies determined that Ortmeier knowingly and unlawfully entered two separate residences in the area of W. Catlin Street and N. Hickory Street. He was located and taken into custody without incident.

Ortmeier faces charges of residential burglary, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to a residence, and possession of burglary tools.

The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency, with assistance from Illinois State Police Forensics. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s