CEDAR LAKE | A man dressed as a police officer forced his way into a Cedar Lake woman's home Tuesday, handcuffed her and burglarized the property while her teenage grandson slept inside, neighbors reported Wednesday.

An e-mail circulated among Robin's Nest subdivision property owners said the man carried what appeared to be a police ID, gun, pepper spray and handcuffs. The subdivision is located near Lemon Lake County Park.

Cedar Lake police did not respond Wednesday to repeated requests for information regarding the incident.

Police Chief Roger Patz declined comment, saying through a dispatcher Wednesday that he would not discuss the case until he spoke with the Lake County prosecutor's office today.

No charges for the incident were brought to the prosecutor's office as of Wednesday afternoon, a spokeswoman for the office said.

A neighbor, who declined to be named, told The Times she saw the victim standing at the end of her driveway on 136th Avenue on Tuesday, pleading for help. She was wearing only a nightgown with her hands handcuffed behind her back, the neighbor said.

"He has a gun, he has a gun," the neighbor said the victim told her.

The victim was grabbed and cuffed after she asked for identification from the man dressed as a police officer, a neighbor said. He apparently posed as an officer to gain entry into the home, she added.

The neighbor said she saw an unknown man standing in the doorway after the victim's call for help. The man shut the door as the neighbor grabbed the victim and ran into the house next door, the neighbor said.

At the same time, the driver of a four-door charcoal gray Chevrolet Malibu driving in the cul-de-sac slammed on his brakes, went in reverse and fled, the neighbor said.

The victim was distraught, repeating the man had a gun and her grandson was inside, the neighbor said.

The women dialed 911 from next door. A Cedar Lake police officer who lives in the neighborhood arrived first with his police dog, a property association e-mail states.

Neighbors commended the officer, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

The man inside was chased by officers and apprehended, neighbors said. Police would not confirm the arrest Wednesday.

Robin's Nest residents said Wednesday the incident has not shaken their faith in the safety of the subdivision.

"I've lived here four years, and I feel perfectly safe here," said Kathy Michaels, a resident and association member. "It's a great neighborhood."