Man Spotted Walking Away From Rental Property With Gas Can Charged With Arson: Police

ROUND LAKE, IL — A 43-year-old Cary man faces arson charges for allegations he tried to set a house on fire near Round Lake.

Robert D. Neumann, of the 300 block of Wooded Knoll Drive in Cary, has been charged with aggravated arson and residential arson in connection with the Monday afternoon blaze according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities say they were called to a home in the 35300 block of North Summitt Place in unincorporated Round Lake at about 2:30 p.m. Monday for a report of house fire. When fire crews arrived at the scene, they found the home fully engulfed in flames.

Witnesses told police they saw a man leaving the scene of the blaze with a gas can in hand. Police located the man, who was identified as Neumann, and learned he was renting the space above a detached garage at the property "from time to time," according to the news release.

Police also determined Neumann poured gasoline at the rear of the home and started it on fire. Authorities say it's unclear why he did this.

No one was at home at the time of the fire, and two firefighters sustained minor injuries because of the blaze. As part of their investigation, authorities searched the detached garage and found a nearly empty gas can inside, according to the news release.

Neumann has been arrested and is being held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial court appearance.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.