Man Accused Of Firing Gun, Claiming He Killed His Mother

MCHENRY, IL — A 40-year-old McHenry man was denied pretrial release after authorities said he fired multiple gunshots from his home and then falsely reported to 911 that he was an active shooter who had killed his mother.

Michael T. Cartier appeared in court Tuesday following the Aug. 7 incident. Judge Cynthia D. Lamb granted prosecutors’ petition to deny Cartier pretrial release.

According to evidence presented at the detention hearing, multiple residents called 911 that night after hearing gunfire near Cartier’s McHenry home. Witnesses who were outside reported hearing bullets flying nearby, according to a news release from the state's attorney's office.

Cartier also allegedly called 911 and said he was an “active shooter” and had killed his mother, prompting a significant police response. Officers established a perimeter around the home and evacuated neighbors from nearby residences.

More than 90 minutes after the initial call, Cartier is accused of throwing a handgun from the home and surrendered to police. Officers entered the residence and found that no one else was inside and that Cartier had not killed or injured anyone, according to prosecutors.

Cartier told police he fired about six rounds inside and outside the home, including shots at a transformer in his yard and into the air, prosecutors said.

He is 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.

Cartier’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 2 in Courtroom 304.