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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Darien Chief of Police Greg Thomas announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s petition to deny pre-trial release for a Homer Glen man accused of breaking into a Darien residence and injuring the homeowner before leading police on a high-speed chase. Michael Lahey, 32 of the 13000 block of Maverick Trail, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of Home Invasion (Class X Felony), one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Theft – Not Exceeding $500.
On August 4, 2026, at approximately 2:23 p.m., Darien patrol officers responded to the 1400 block of Sequoia Lane for a call from a homeowner stating that someone broke into his house. Upon their arrival, the victim alerted the responding officers to a Ford Bronco headed westbound on Sequoia Lane at a high rate of speed. Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and initiated pursuit of the Ford. It is alleged that during the pursuit, the Ford, later determined to be driven by Lahey, drove over a curb and through a parking lot, reached speeds in excess of seventy-five mph in 35-mph zones, sped through a construction zone while workers were present and drove into oncoming traffic on multiple occasions. Officers pursued the Ford for approximately eleven miles into Will County before terminating pursuit out of safety concerns. Through the course of their investigation, officers identified Lahey as a suspect in the break-in. Members of DuPage County MERIT SWAT and Will County Sheriff SWAT Teams responded to Lahey’s residence and at approximately 6:54 p.m., after obtaining a search warrant for the residence, took Lahey into custody. Following further investigation, it is alleged that while in his home, the victim heard a sound like breaking glass in his residence and when he went to investigate, observed an unknown man, later identified as Lahey, standing outside his residence. It is alleged that Lahey then threw a piece of broken glass at the victim, causing a significant laceration to his arm and a cut on his torso, entered the residence through the broken front window and then took the victim’s cellphone. It is further alleged that Lahey threw a stool at the victim, striking him. The victim was able to exit and escape through the back door of the residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital for a laceration to his left upper arm, a puncture wound to his left torso and bruising to his stomach.
“The type of aggressive, unpredictable and violent behavior that shattered an innocent man’s sense of safety and security in his own home and sent him to the hospital with serious injuries, as alleged in this case, has no place in civilized society and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said. “When a home invasion occurs, the aftermath has a crippling effect on more than just the initial victim. This type of intrusion into our communities and homes can send waves of fear throughout the entire community, leaving everyone on edge and living in fear for their personal safety. The victim in this case has a long road to recovery ahead of him and I wish him well as he recovers both physically and emotionally. I commend the Darien Police Department for their prompt response to the initial call which led to the apprehension of the defendant in this case. I thank the Homer Glen Police Department, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick’s Office, DuPage County MERIT and MERIT SWAT Team, Will County Sheriff SWAT Team, and the DuPage County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and all the assisting law enforcement agencies for their support and teamwork as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Eric Vincent, Helen Kapas and Sandi Tanoue for their efforts in securing charges against Mr. Lahey.”
“It was sad to hear the rare call of a home invasion in Darien and we wish the victim a speedy recovery,” Thomas said. “Though tragic, I am very proud of the investigation and arrest of the alleged offender. Officers did a great job in the investigation leading to the arrest and officers making the arrest were able to do so without incident. The Darien Police Department thanks all the assisting police agencies as well as DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their legal guidance and ongoing support of law enforcement.”
Lahey’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 31, 2026, in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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