Stebic charged with assault

PLAINFIELD — Craig Stebic was arrested Sunday.

"He was arrested for assault on a matter that is not related to the disappearance of his wife," Plainfield police Cmdr. Ken Ruggles said Monday afternoon.

The incident involving Stebic, 43, happened at 1:37 p.m. in front of his home, 13244 Red Star Drive, Ruggles said.

"He was arrested for the charge of assault after he made a threatening statement to a neighbor," Ruggles said, although he wouldn't elaborate.

The police went to the neighborhood after receiving a complaint about fireworks, Ruggles said.

"Beyond that, I can't comment on who was directly involved at this point," Ruggles said.

2007 disappearance

On April 30, 2007, Lisa Stebic, 37, disappeared. The mother of two was last seen by her husband at their home in the Nature's Crossing subdivision.

Stebic told police she simply walked away, her purse and cell phone in hand.

The couple had a longtime marriage but were divorcing. Stebic didn't report her missing. A neighbor notified the authorities the next day.

Plainfield police began searching for Lisa, and family, friends, neighbors, complete strangers and the FBI soon joined them. More than two years later, she hasn't been found.

In July 2007, Plainfield police dubbed Stebic a person of interest in the case, but he hasn't been charged with any crime.

'Neighbor started' it

During the investigation into Lisa Stebic's disappearance, police seized vehicles and guns from the Stebic home. Represented by Joliet attorney George Lenard, Stebic eventually got everything back.

Lenard, who still represents Stebic, had little to say Monday about his client's arrest on assault charges.

"It is my understanding that his neighbor started some type of dispute and the police were called," Lenard said. "I won't know more until I find out if a police report was prepared regarding the incident."