Palatine police say suspect threw gun while running from officer

Palatine police responding to reports of a fight at a village restaurant Saturday night arrested a reported gang member who tried to flee the scene armed with a handgun, authorities said.

Michael MacDonald, 19, of the 1300 block of Rebecca Drive in Hoffman Estates, faces felony charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, along with misdemeanor counts of resisting a peace officer, mob action and disorderly conduct, police said.

He and two others were arrested after police were called about 9:07 p.m. to a fight in progress on the 1100 block of East Dundee Road. As officers were approaching the scene, they observed a BMW leaving with several occupants.

After an officer pulled over the BMW, a passenger jumped out and ran, throwing an object as he tried to flee, police said. The man, later identified as MacDonald, was caught a short distance later, police said.

The item he threw turned out to be a loaded .380-caliber, semiautomatic handgun, according to police.

MacDonald appeared in Cook County court Monday afternoon, when a judge set his bail at $75,000. If he posts bond, he must live under a curfew and have no contact with known gang members, under the judge's order. He's scheduled to return to court May 6.

Two others in the BMW also were charged. Tyler Heyward, 21, of the 1300 block of Rebecca Drive in Hoffman Estates, faces misdemeanor charges of mob action and disorderly conduct. He was released on bond with a May 6 court date.

Amanda Lonsfoote, 25, of the 800 block of Carriageway in Elgin, is charged with misdemeanor mob action. She also was released on bond with a May 6 court date.

Palatine police Cmdr. Craig Lesselyoung said the fight appears to have been gang-related. No injuries were reported, he said.