Bond at $100K for Mundelein man who asked Vernon Hills cop to shoot him
By Beth Kramer ekramer@stmedianetwork.com April 16, 2013 3:18PM
Howard Lazarus
Updated: April 17, 2013 7:58AM
Bond has been set at $100,000 for the man shot by a Vernon Hills police officer for allegedly drawing a gun inside the police station.
Howard Lazarus, 53, of the 10 block of Bristol Court, Mundelein, is accused of pulling out an “Airsoft Pistol with the appearance of a semi-automatic handgun and pointed it” at a police officer, according to his warrant. The six-figure bond was set Monday, April 15.
Authorities said Lazarus walked into the Vernon Hills police station just after midnight April 3 and said he wanted to report an auto accident. An officer determined the alleged accident was in Mundelein and offered to bring Lazarus to the Mundelein Police Department.
At that point, Lazarus is alleged to have pulled out the gun replica and pointed it at the officer. The officer drew his own gun and told Lazarus to drop his, authorities said. Lazarus is accused of continuing to advance toward the officer.
Lazarus asked the officer to shoot him. The officer refused and Lazarus made some aggressive gestures, officials said. The officer then shot Lazarus in the abdomen.
Authorities said Lazarus had a note in his pocket that said he was dying of cancer and could not “do the deed myself.”
Lazarus was charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer. He has no other criminal history in Lake County, according to Lake County records.
He listed his occupation as hotel accountant at Deerfield Embassy Suites Hotel in court documents. He is due back in court May 6 and remains in custody at Lake County Jail.
