Crystal Lake man arrested after armed standoff

A 45-year-old Crystal Lake man who police say barricaded himself inside a home Saturday while armed with a gun and threatening violence was behind bars Sunday facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

Michael J. Walls was charged with domestic battery, unlawful restraint, aggravated assault to a peace officer and aggravated assault after his arrest ended a nearly two-hour standoff with police.

Officers were called to the residence in the 400 block of Kelly Lane shortly before 5 p.m. on a report of a domestic disturbance. While en route, officers learned a man inside the home was armed with a semiautomatic handgun.

Four others inside the home, police said, barricaded themselves in a room for their safety while waiting for help.

When police arrived, they secured the scene and safeguarded neighbors. The Crystal Lake Police Department’s Emergency Services Team was activated and its negotiators began speaking with Walls who eventually left the home voluntarily about 6:40 p.m., disarmed himself and surrendered to arrest, police said.

None of the remaining occupants of the home were injured, according to police.

Walls was transported to the McHenry County jail, where he was being held Sunday on $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.