A Cary man used gasoline to start a fire at a Round Lake-area house where he had been renting space, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
Robert D. Neumann, 43, of the 300 block of Wooded Knoll Drive, is facing aggravated arson and residential arson charges in connection with the Sunday fire.
Firefighters were called around 2:30 p.m. to the 35300 block of North Summitt Place for reports of a house fire. The residence was engulfed in flames when police and firefighters arrived, the sheriff’s office said.
There was no one in the house at the time, authorities said.
Witnesses alerted police that someone carrying a gas can was seen leaving the house just before the fire was reported.
Based on a description provided to police, officers arrested Neumann. Police said he was renting a room above the detached garage at the residence, and would stay there occasionally.
According to police, it appears Neumann used gas to start the blaze for no apparent reason. The homeowners use the property for a weekend getaway and were not at the residence, police said.
Police said they recovered a nearly empty gasoline can in the garage. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while extinguishing the blaze.
More Top Picks Best Toddler Climbing Toys For Indoors