From the State’s Attorney:
MCHENRY MAN DETAINED AFTER FIRING GUN, FALSELY REPORTING HE KILLED HIS MOTHER
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that the Honorable Judge Cynthia D. Lamb granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for Michael T. Cartier, 40, of McHenry, Illinois, following an incident in which Cartier allegedly fired multiple gunshots from his residence and then called 911 claiming he was an “active shooter” who had killed his mother.
Cartier appeared in Initial Appearance Court on August 18, 2026, charged with Possession of a Firearm While Ineligible for a FOID Card, a Class 3 felony; Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and False Report of a Crime, both Class 4 felonies; and Possession of Ammunition Without a FOID Card, a Class A misdemeanor.
Evidence presented at the detention hearing established that on the night of August 7, 2026, multiple residents called 911 to report hearing gunfire coming from the area of Cartier’s McHenry home.
Witnesses who were outside at the time reported hearing bullets flying nearby.
During the incident, Cartier allegedly called 911 himself and reported that he was an “active shooter” and had killed his mother.
The report prompted a significant law enforcement response, with officers establishing a perimeter around the residence and evacuating neighbors from nearby homes.
More than an hour and a half after the initial call, Cartier allegedly threw a handgun from the residence and surrendered to police.
Officers subsequently entered the home and discovered that no one else was inside and that Cartier had not killed or injured anyone.
Cartier allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he fired approximately six rounds both inside and outside the residence, including firing at a transformer in his yard and into the air.
State’s Attorney Freese commended the responding officers for bringing an extremely dangerous and volatile situation to a peaceful conclusion.
“Firing a gun into the air in a residential neighborhood puts innocent lives at risk. We are incredibly grateful to all the officers who responded, patiently held the scene, communicated with this man, which ultimately resulted in him peacefully surrendering. Their professionalism and restraint brought an extremely dangerous situation to an end without anyone being hurt.”
Cartier’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 2, 2026, in Courtroom 304.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
