More Suspects Sought In Racine COP House Arson Case

RACINE, WI — Four people have been arrested and charged after the Thelma ORR Cop House was set ablaze during the early-morning hours of June 1, and now the Racine Police Department has released several new photos as they ask for the public's help to track down additional suspects in the case.

Justin C. Hernandez, 25, of Kenosha, and Kylie Gelmi, 20, of Mount Pleasant were the first to be charged related to the COP House fire, and face charges of burglary and arson.

Anthony McNeil, 27, of Racine and Jason Young, 30, both of Racine, have also been charged in the arson case. McNeil has been charged with arson, burglary and interfering with a fire alarm. Young has been charged with arson and burglary, according to court records.

Now Racine police have released seven new photos of people whom they believe are connected to the case. They shared those photos on social media on Tuesday.

The COP House, named after a lifelong community activist, was set on fire by protesters around 2 a.m. on June 1 following a confrontation with police, according to Racine Police Chief Art Howell.

By 2:30 a.m., the fire had been put out, but by daylight, the damage was apparent. Smashed-out windows, melted vinyl siding, kicked-in doors and a scorched interior decimated the COP house, which was used by Racine Police as a programming center for youth, as well as serving as a local jumping-off point for neighborhood-based policing efforts.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Racine PD Detective Bureau at 262-989-2869 or Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330.