Man Sets House On Fire Following Thanksgiving Day Argument With Family: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 21-year-old man faces arson charges for allegations he started his family's house on fire after an argument led to him being kicked out on Thanksgiving evening, police said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office was first called to the home in the 40100 block of Lone Oak Road in Beach Park at about 7:30 p.m. for a report of non-violent verbal domestic dispute, police said. When they arrived, police say they learned the 21-year-old man, who was later identified as Erik Crump, was antagonizing and arguing with family members at their Thanksgiving gathering.

No one was arrested at the time, and Crump was told to keep to himself the rest of the evening, police said.

About an hour later, police were again called to the home for a report of a fire.

When firefighters arrived, they reported seeing someone matching Crump's description standing about a block from the home with a knife in his hand. He then fled, police said.

Authorities learned family members had kicked Crump out of the home. He left the home but returned a short time later and went inside and started his bedroom on fire, according to a news release.

Police say they believe he used an accelerant to start the fire, which caused major damage to the home. The other people inside the home were able to evacuate the residence.

Deputies responded and were able to track down Crump, who was found in a storage facility in the 39400 block of North Lewis Avenue in Beach Park.

He was taken into custody and has been charged with aggravated arson and residential arson.