Chicago man accused of theft, fleeing police in DuPage County denied pretrial release

A Chicago man will remain in custody after his arrest last Friday following a robbery at a Clarendon Hills Jewel that later led to a high-speed chase.

Michael Howard, 43, is accused of stealing more than $300 worth of alcohol from the Jewel while on probation in two separate cases earlier this year that involved alcohol thefts from two other DuPage County grocery stores.

At about 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oak Brook police officers spotted a black Toyota Camry on Route 83 after a theft at the Clarendon Hills Jewel, 303 Holmes Ave.

Authorities say that when the officers attempted a traffic stop, Howard increased his speed, which sparked a pursuit.

Police say they broke off their chase because of public safety concerns as Howard weaved through traffic at speeds that reached 76 m.p.h. He was later spotted by Berkeley police, who attempted to pull him over on I-290.

Officials say Howard fled, drove into oncoming traffic and struck a Lexus head-on. He then attempted to run but was apprehended a short time later.

Police say the alcohol from the Jewel theft was found in the car.

Howard was charged with one felony count of burglary, two felony counts of retail theft, and one felony count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer.

DuPage County Judge Bryan Chapman granted the state’s motion to detain Howard pre-trial. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Howard is currently on probation for stealing twenty-six bottles of liquor from an Elmhurst Jewel-Osco store on March 15, 2024, and for aggravated fleeing and eluding and stealing $837.82 worth of alcohol from a Lombard Mariano’s grocery store on April 17, 2024.