McHenry County’s No. 2 Most-Wanted Fugitive Captured; Eight Guns and Multiple Drugs Seized

November 6, 2026 | McHenry County, Illinois

One of McHenry County’s most-wanted fugitives is behind bars after authorities say he attempted to escape sheriff’s deputies on an electric scooter before being apprehended near his home, where investigators reportedly discovered eight firearms, ammunition, and a substantial quantity of illegal drugs.

Michael A. Smith, 36, of unincorporated McHenry, was arrested October 30 after deputies arrived at a residence in the 2600 block of South Riverside Drive to execute multiple outstanding felony warrants. Smith had been listed as the second most-wanted fugitive by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, Smith allegedly attempted to flee the area on an electric scooter when deputies approached. Investigators say he resisted arrest, pulling away and physically struggling with officers before being taken into custody. Emergency personnel from the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District were dispatched to the scene around 2:45 p.m. following a report that a suspect had been struck with a Taser.

A subsequent search of the residence uncovered what authorities described as an extensive collection of firearms, ammunition, and controlled substances. Investigators recovered eight guns, including two firearms reported stolen from Hammond and Gary, Indiana. A .50-caliber ammunition cartridge was also discovered.

Authorities additionally seized approximately 1,040 grams of cannabis, six grams each of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, along with cocaine and more than 100 prescription pills. The recovered medications reportedly included tramadol, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, alprazolam, buprenorphine, and clonazepam. Investigators also discovered psilocybin, a digital scale containing suspected drug residue, and hundreds of plastic baggies commonly associated with narcotics distribution.

Smith now faces numerous felony charges, including eight counts of armed habitual criminal, nine counts of unlawful possession of weapons or ammunition by a felon, two counts involving stolen firearms, and multiple charges related to possession and intended distribution of controlled substances. Additional charges include possession of methamphetamine, cannabis offenses, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting a peace officer.

Court records reveal that Smith has an extensive criminal history. He was convicted in Cook County in 2012 of felony possession of a controlled substance and was convicted in McHenry County earlier this year of manufacturing or delivering cannabis. He was serving felony probation in the latter case when the latest offenses allegedly occurred.

Smith also faces allegations stemming from a May 20 traffic pursuit in Fox Lake, during which investigators say he fled officers at speeds exceeding 100 mph while traveling through multiple municipalities. A McHenry County grand jury indicted him in September on a felony charge of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police. Additional charges in that case include reckless driving, excessive speeding, and driving on a revoked license.

Following his arrest, Smith was transported to the McHenry County Jail on Wednesday, November 4. Prosecutors subsequently petitioned the court to keep him detained while his criminal cases proceed.

During a Thursday hearing, McHenry County Judge Cynthia Lamb granted the state’s request, citing the seriousness of the allegations, the weapons and narcotics recovered, and Smith’s documented history of fleeing law enforcement.

Lamb determined that Smith presented a significant threat to public safety and that electronic monitoring or other release conditions would not adequately address the concerns raised by prosecutors. The judge also referenced Smith’s failure to comply with previous court orders and his alleged attempt to escape deputies during the October arrest.

Smith remains in custody at the McHenry County Jail and is scheduled to return to court December 2 for a preliminary hearing.

The arrest concludes the search for one of the sheriff’s department’s highest-priority fugitives while opening a new series of criminal proceedings involving allegations of illegal firearms possession and narcotics distribution.