A Carol Stream man has been accused of deliberately setting fire to his own home, resulting in an explosion that caused extensive damage to neighboring properties. Eric Neuman, 52, faces several felony charges, including aggravated arson and criminal damage to property, as confirmed by the DuPage County prosecutors. According to Chicago Sun-Times, the alleged incident took place on Hemlock Lane and led to Neuman’s arrest on Saturday.
Emergency services swiftly responded to reports of a fire and subsequent explosion early Saturday morning. In a shocking revelation, it is alleged that Neuman strategically placed approximately six containers of gasoline, totaling around 40 gallons, within his residence and positioned two propane tanks in a rental car parked in his garage. The prosecution claims Neuman spilled gasoline in the garage, ignited a flare, and threw it inside, before fleeing the scene in another vehicle. This information was reported by the ABC 7 Chicago.
The suspect was apprehended later that morning in Mahomet, Illinois, after a chase with law enforcement that began in the Bloomington-Morton area. He now faces two counts of aggravated arson, one count of arson, and one count of criminal damage to property. Following his court appearance on Sunday, a judge has ordered Neuman to remain incarcerated pending trial…