Man, 23, Set Fire To Mobile Home With Pregnant Woman, Toddler Son Inside: Sheriff

MANTENO, IL — A Manteno man is facing felony charges after he attempted to set fire to a residence occupied by the mother of his unborn child and her 2-year-old son Aug. 11, the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies responded to a mobile home park in rural Manteno at approximately 12:39 a.m. regarding an in-progress arson. Deputies spoke with a witness who saw a suspicious vehicle parked near the entrance to the park, police said. The witness reportedly told police they saw the vehicle’s occupants turn off the lights and another person trying to unsuccessfully extinguish flames near the residence before fleeing the scene in the pickup truck.

Deputies were able to find 23-year-old suspect Hunter S. Lauridsen at his residence in Manteno, where he was taken into custody. He remains incarcerated at the Jerome Combs Detention Center, where he was booked for attempted residential arson and endangering the life or health of a child.

“The reckless and malicious actions alleged in this case could have easily resulted in a tragic loss of innocent life,” said Sheriff Mike Downey. “We are extremely grateful that no one was injured and that our deputies were able to take the suspect into custody swiftly. Acts of violence—especially those that place children and families in danger—will not be tolerated in Kankakee County, and we will continue to work diligently to hold offenders fully accountable.”