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Lazarus trial delayed pending mental health decision

The trial of a Mundelein man authorities say tried to commit suicide-by-cop in the front lobby of the Vernon Hills Police Station has been pushed back to August.

Howard Lazarus, 53, of the 0 to 100 block of North Bristol Court, is now expected to face trial Aug. 19 on a charge of aggravated assault of a police officer, said Lake County Public Defender Keith Grant.

In the meantime, Lazarus has been petitioned to the county’s mental health court, and Grant said it will take time to hear whether he will be accepted. The special court is designed to help treat, rather than incarcerate, defendants who suffer from mental illness. Participants must make significant strides in their treatment and take major steps to improve their quality of life.

Both sides are expected back in front of Judge Daniel Shanes on July 16. Lazarus remains held in lieu of $100,000 bond. He’s accused of pulling a fake gun on a police officer inside the station April 3, forcing the officer to shoot him.

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