Judge denies lower bail for Ingleside man who may lose tongue
A Lake County judge denied a motion Wednesday to lower bail for an Ingleside teen accused of leading police on a wild chase in mid-November while high and drunk.
Judge Christen Bishop refused to reduce Ronald Maas' $2 million bail, but said more medical procedures for could be ordered as needed to keep Maas healthy while he awaits trial.
Through his attorney, the 18-year-old Maas was seeking the lower bond in hopes he could be transferred to a medical facility for treatment of injuries he suffered during the police chase that started in Round Lake at 10:40 p.m., Nov. 13, and ended about 1:30 a.m., Nov. 14.
During the chase, Maas was shot in the cheek by police, broke an arm, and is suffering from an ailment that could result in the loss of his tongue, defense attorney James Bertucci said in court.
Maas was pale and walked hunched over, but was able to stand throughout the hearing. He was confined to a wheelchair during his previous court appearance.
He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated driving under the influence, possession of a stolen vehicle, theft, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, aggravated fleeing and eluding, attempted theft, aggravated assault, and criminal damage to government property.
Bertucci requested Mass' bail be lowered to $250,000, and said in court the attempted murder charge was so authorities could show the "shooting was justified."
Maas is required to post 10 percent of the $2 million bail amount to be released from jail.
The chase started when Round Lake police officers spotted Maas in a stolen 2009 Ford sedan near Washington Street and Cedar Lake Avenue, authorities said. Maas was wanted on an outstanding burglary warrant and the vehicle was driving was reported stolen out of Chicago.
Maas rolled that stolen car moments later, authorities said, then stole a truck, picked up a 15-year-old girl, and ran from officers in Round Lake, Grayslake, Round Lake Heights and unincorporated Lake County.
Bertucci said in court the 15-year-old Maas picked up is the mother of his child.
Maas was shot in the cheek by a Round Lake Heights officer after intentionally driving into a police vehicle during the chase, authorities said. The chase ended after Maas caused an accident on Route 45 near Third Lake.
He was arrested while trying to steal a truck about 1:20 a.m., authorities said.
Tests showed Maas had a .13 blood-alcohol level and cannabis, cocaine and opiates in his system, authorities said.
Maas was on probation during the chase for a Cook County felony burglary charge, authorities said Wednesday.
He is due back in court on a preliminary hearing Dec. 18.