Lindenhurst man charged with trying to poison his mother

An 18-year-old Lindenhurst man is held on $100,000 bond Friday after being charged with trying to poison his mother, police officials said.

Michael J. Tangney Jr., of the 300 block of Northgate Road, remains in Lake County jail until he posts the required 10 percent of the bond, jail officials said.

Lindenhurst police officials charged Tangney on Thursday with heinous battery, a Class X felony, for trying to poison his mother by pouring antifreeze into her coffee maker.

If found guilty he could be behind bars up to 30 years, officials said. Additional charges are expected, officials said.

Police said Tangney caused "severe and great bodily harm" to his mother, Joyce, by pouring antifreeze into the coffee maker knowing she would drink from it.

Joyce Tangney was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center on Monday. Police said she remained in the hospital Thursday, but would not comment on her condition.

Tangney told police he did it as a joke. Joyce Tangney ingested an undisclosed amount of antifreeze, officials said, but it took some time for the poison to work its way through her system.

Ethylene glycol is a synthetic liquid used to make antifreeze and de-icing solutions. Exposure to large amounts can damage kidneys, the nervous system, lungs and heart, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Police were notified Tuesday about the poisoning by Joyce Tangney's husband. The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force was also consulted and assisted in the case, Lindenhurst police officials said.

No other family members were affected, and there is no indication of danger to the public or witnesses, police said.