Illinois Man Arrested for Allegedly setting Family Home Ablaze on Thanksgiving
A Lake County, Illinois man faces aggravated arson and residential arson charges after authorities say he intentionally set his family’s home on fire following a dispute on Thanksgiving evening. Erik J. Crump, 21, was taken into custody after a swift response from local law enforcement and fire services.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported argument at a residence in the 40100 block of North Lone Oak Road in Beach park around 7:30 p.m. on thursday. Family members had expressed frustration with Crump’s behavior, stating he had been antagonizing others, though deputies initially resolute no crime had been committed.
Deputies successfully de-escalated the situation, and crump agreed to separate himself from his family for the remainder of the evening. Though, approximately an hour later, authorities were dispatched back to the same address due to reports of a fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed a man matching Crump’s description standing near the roadway, armed with a knife, before he attempted to flee the scene. A perimeter was established,and a sheriff’s K9 unit tracked Crump’s scent to a dead-end,suggesting he may have left in a vehicle.
Crump was subsequently located at a storage facility in the 39400 block of North Lewis Avenue and apprehended without incident. Detectives investigating the incident determined that Crump had been informed he would be asked to leave the home following the earlier argument.
According to investigators, Crump allegedly returned to the residence, used an accelerant to ignite his bedroom, and then fled as the fire spread, causing notable damage to the property. the family members were able to evacuate safely after noticing smoke filling the home.
“It’s nothing short of a blessing that nobody was injured or killed in this senseless act,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg said in a statement. “While families across Lake county were sitting down for Thanksgiving, our dispatchers were answering the call, and our deputies were out responding to them.”
Idleburg further praised the rapid response of his team and local fire service partners. “Our team, along with our fire service partners, responded within minutes, secured the area, helped ensure the fire was extinguished, and took this individual into custody before anyone else was put at risk,” he continued. “I am incredibly proud of their professionalism and their commitment to keeping our community safe every hour of every day.”
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the aggravated arson and residential arson charges after reviewing the details of the case. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and gather further evidence.
Why: Erik J. Crump, 21, allegedly set fire to his family’s home after a dispute on Thanksgiving evening.He was reportedly told he would be asked to leave the residence.
Who: Erik J.Crump, 21, was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and residential arson. The family members who resided in the home were also involved, as they were the initial reporters of the argument and were present during the fire.
What: crump allegedly used an accelerant to ignite his bedroom, causing significant damage to the home.
