Crime & Safety

Man Arrested for DUI Threatened to Hurt Kids at School: Police

A Palos Hills man referenced the Connecticut shooting massacre while in custody Monday, police said. Officers have removed guns and ammo from his home.

A Palos Hills man faces charges after telling police he was going to hurt children and referencing the Connecticut elementary school shooting.

Michael L. Lynch, 31, was arrested at around 2:30 a.m. Monday in the 8800 block of 107th Street. He is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and disorderly conduct.

While in custody, Lynch told officers he was going to harm children at a school and would return to the police station to shoot people, Palos Hills police said. He also made references to hurting himself and to the tragedy at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school where 27 people died, including 20 children, six adults and the gunman.

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Officers seized firearms and ammunition from Lynch’s home “for safe keeping,” police said.

Police said Lynch was intoxicated when he made these comments. The disorderly conduct charge stems from the statements about harming himself and other people. Lynch was hospitalized after his arrest.

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