Man Shot by Vernon Hills Police Could Go to Mental Health Court

A Mundelein man who attempted "suicide by cop" is being considered for mental health court, where he would receive treatment instead of going to trial, reported the Lake County News-Sun.

Howard Lazarus, who has plead not guilty to the charge of felony aggravated assault, was shot by Vernon Hills Police when he entered the station on April 3 to report a traffic accident then drew what appeared to be a gun on an officer.

A hand-written note found in Lazarus' pocket stated in part, “I apologize for placing your officers in this position. I am dying from cancer and couldn’t do the deed myself," reported Patch.

Lazarus, whose trial is scheduled to begin July 8, could instead be accepted into a mental health court, reported the News-Sun. He remains in the Lake County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.