Suspect charged with armed violence, 4 other felonies after Lake Zurich standoff

A Lake Zurich man who authorities say held police at bay for hours Saturday after burglarizing a local business now faces multiple felony charges.

Merrick A. Pollack, 47, is charged with armed violence, burglary and three counts of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, according to Lake Zurich police. The most serious charge is a Class X felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison, if he’s convicted.

Pollack was arrested Saturday afternoon following a hourslong standoff at his home in the 200 block of Whitney Road, police said.

Police say the chain of events began at about 2:17 a.m. Saturday, when officers responded to an alarm at Casey’s Convenience Store, 650 S. Rand Road.

Officers discovered someone had burglarized the business after gaining access by firing a gun through a glass door, authorities said.

According to police, officers attempted to contact Pollack at his home at about 11 a.m., but he refused to step outside and barricaded himself inside.

Because there was evidence that a gun was in the home, a tactical unit from Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Services was called to the scene. Surrounding residents were evacuated as dozens of law enforcement officers descended on the area.

After several hours of negotiation, Pollack surrendered and was arrested, police said. He was taken to a hospital for minor injuries and remained in custody of the Lake Zurich Police Department as of late Saturday, authorities said.