Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied the state's motion to detain a Chicago man, Michael Howard, before trial. Howard is accused of fleeing from police after allegedly stealing $837.82 worth of alcohol from a Mariano's grocery store in Lombard.

Howard, 43, who resides on the 4800 block of Washington Boulevard, appeared in court facing charges including burglary, retail theft, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and resisting or obstructing a police officer. He is currently on pre-trial release for another alleged theft involving twenty-six bottles of liquor from an Elmhurst Jewel-Osco store on March 15, 2024. A hearing is set for April 19 to discuss revoking his pre-trial release in that case.

On April 17 at approximately 7:40 p.m., Lombard police responded to a report of retail theft at Mariano's located at 345 W. Roosevelt Road. Officers found Howard in his vehicle attempting to leave the parking lot. Despite being signaled by police to stop, Howard allegedly sped away, leading officers from multiple departments on a pursuit where he reportedly reached speeds of up to 65 mph in a zone with a speed limit of 35 mph. The chase ended when Oak Brook police deployed spike strips near 25th Avenue and I-290.

After stopping the vehicle, it is alleged that Howard resisted arrest but was eventually taken into custody with eighteen bottles of alcohol found in his car and one bottle concealed in his clothing.

Berlin commented on the situation stating: “It is alleged that Mr. Howard... thumbed his nose at the law and again stole alcohol from a DuPage County grocery store.” He added appreciation for the efforts made by local law enforcement agencies involved in apprehending Howard.

Wirsing also expressed gratitude towards their law enforcement partners and acknowledged State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their work on this case.

Howard's arraignment is scheduled for April 29 before Judge Brian Telander. It is important to note that these charges are not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.