Illinois Man Accused of Setting Family Home on Fire After Finding Out He Was Getting Kicked Out on Thanksgiving

BEACH PARK, ILLINOIS — An Illinois man is behind bars after authorities say he deliberately set fire to his family’s home on Thanksgiving night after learning he was being told to move out.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first called to a home in Beach Park for a reported domestic dispute involving 21-year-old Erik J. Crump. Family members told deputies Crump had been “antagonizing and arguing” with relatives throughout the evening.

Deputies arrived at the residence and were able to calm the situation before leaving — but the confrontation was far from over.

Suspect Returns and Sets Bedroom Ablaze

Investigators say that after being informed by family that he was being kicked out of the home, Crump allegedly returned about an hour later, poured gasoline in his bedroom, and set it on fire.

The blaze quickly spread through the house, forcing family members to flee for their lives. Fortunately, all occupants escaped unharmed. Firefighters from multiple departments responded to extinguish the flames before the structure was completely destroyed.

“This was an extremely dangerous and reckless act that could have easily resulted in multiple deaths,” said a Lake County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. “It’s fortunate everyone made it out safely.”

Suspect Flees, Later Arrested by Deputies

Following the incident, Crump fled the scene before deputies arrived. A search was launched, and law enforcement officers were able to track him down and take him into custody a short time later.

Authorities did not specify where Crump was located during his brief flight from the scene but confirmed that he did not resist arrest when confronted.

He has since been charged with arson and is being held at the Lake County Jail pending further court proceedings.

Home Declared a Total Loss

Officials said the home suffered significant structural damage, with large sections of the property destroyed by fire and smoke. Investigators have since confirmed that the blaze originated in Crump’s bedroom, where gasoline residue was found.

The estimated cost of damage has not yet been released, but authorities indicated it was “extensive enough to displace the entire family indefinitely.”

Community Shocked by Thanksgiving Incident

The incident has drawn shock and concern in the Beach Park community, where neighbors described the fire as “a terrifying sight” on what should have been a quiet holiday evening.

“You could see the flames from down the street,” one witness told reporters. “It’s just sad that something like that happened on Thanksgiving.”

Crump’s motive, beyond the family dispute, remains under investigation.

Authorities say the case will be reviewed by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, and additional charges may follow depending on the findings of the fire investigation team.

For updates on this developing case and other Illinois crime news, visit napervillelocal.com, your trusted source for verified local and regional reporting.