Bond reduced for Arlington Heights man facing multiple weapons charges

A Cook County judge reduced bond for a 39-year-old Arlington Heights man to $350,000 following a hearing Thursday in Rolling Meadows' Third Municipal District.

Police charged Jason Jakob, of the 900 block of Harvard Ave., with various gun felonies after they say he shot off between 40 and 50 rounds of ammunition in his house in March 2008. At the time, a judge set his bail at $175,000.

In December, authorities say Jakob violated the conditions of his bond by having several guns in his possession. His lawyer said that the weapons belonged to a friend, who was storing them at Jakob's house. A judge increased the bail to $750,000 at that time.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kay Hanlon granted the latest defense motion to reduce bond after psychiatric reports indicated Jakob - who has been deemed fit to stand trial - did not pose a danger to himself or others.

Hanlon imposed several special conditions on Jakob, however, including prohibiting him from drinking alcohol and from using drugs, except with a doctor's prescription. To that end, he will be subject to random drug testing. Hanlon also reiterated a previous court order requiring Jakob to surrender all of his firearms.

Prosecutors opposed the bond reduction saying that while Jakob did not fire at police and fired no shots outside his home, he had threatened to shoot officers if they tried to enter his house.