Police Seek Four People After Break-In at Former Trinity Christian College Residence Hall
PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. Police are asking for the public’s help identifying four people captured on surveillance video during a late-night break-in at a former Trinity Christian College residence hall.
The incident happened Aug. 23, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m. at Tibstra Hall on the former Trinity Christian College campus in Palos Heights. The Palos Heights Police Department is investigating the incident, which authorities described as a burglary.
The former college campus has been at the center of a major transition after Trinity Christian College ended academic operations following the 2025–26 academic year.
Surveillance Video Shows Four People Entering Tibstra Hall
Police said surveillance footage captured four people entering Tibstra Hall after forcing open a door. Investigators said the group included three males and one female.
Authorities released descriptions of the individuals seen in the video to help identify them.
One male was described as having a mustache and a “man bun” while wearing a camouflage jacket and gray sweatpants. A second male was described as wearing a Louis Vuitton T-shirt and a silver-band watch, with tattoos on his right forearm and wrist. A third male was described as wearing jeans, a red T-shirt, and red shoes, with tattoos on both arms. The female was described as having long blond hair and tattoos on her left wrist and right leg above the knee.
Police have not publicly identified any of the four people shown in the footage.
Police Say Workout Equipment Was Taken
According to police reports, the group allegedly set off fire extinguishers inside the building and removed workout equipment from the property.
Authorities have not released additional details about what equipment was taken, the estimated value of the items, whether the property has been recovered, or whether investigators found physical evidence connected to the incident.
Officials have also not released a detailed damage assessment. Chicago Christian Schools Superintendent Mark Hamstra said there was “no significant damage” following the incident, according to reporting about the former campus.
Former College Campus Was Under New Ownership
The break-in occurred as the former Trinity Christian College property was undergoing changes following the school’s closure.
Trinity Christian College announced it would end academic operations after the 2025–26 academic year, with its final commencement held on May 8, 2026.
Chicago Christian Educational Opportunity LLC reportedly purchased the former campus, with the sale closing July 29, 2026. Chicago Christian Schools had already begun using portions of the property, including DeVos Gymnasium, while officials considered future uses for the campus.
The incident occurred at Tibstra Hall, not the gymnasium. The property’s future plans had not been finalized when the latest reports were released.
Investigation Continues With Several Questions Unanswered
While surveillance footage is a key part of the investigation, several details remain unclear.
Authorities have not publicly said who first discovered the break-in, when police were contacted, whether security systems were still active after the college closure, or whether investigators collected forensic evidence such as fingerprints or DNA.
Police have also not confirmed whether the people seen in the video had any connection to Trinity Christian College, Chicago Christian Schools, or the former campus.
No Arrests or Charges Announced
As of Sept. 20, 2026, police had not publicly announced any arrests; the four individuals remained unidentified, and no criminal charges or court proceedings had been reported.
Police have asked anyone with information about the people shown in the surveillance footage to contact the Palos Heights Police Department. Authorities have advised members of the public not to approach anyone they believe may be connected to the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify the people captured on video and determine the full circumstances surrounding the break-in at Tibstra Hal
