Lombard, IL – A Chicago man accused of stealing a substantial amount of alcohol from local stores faced court decisions on pre-trial detention.
Michael Howard, 43, was charged with multiple felonies, including burglary and fleeing from police, after allegedly taking $837.82 worth of liquor from a Lombard Mariano’s on April 17. Despite a motion by DuPage County prosecutors to detain him pre-trial, Judge Joshua Dieden denied the request. Howard, out on pre-trial release for a similar earlier offense in Elmhurst, allegedly engaged in a high-speed chase with police before being apprehended with stolen alcohol.
According to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, Howard’s actions disregarded the law and public safety. Chief of Police Tom Wirsing acknowledged the collaborative efforts of local police departments in the apprehension.
Howard is scheduled for arraignment on April 29, 2024.