Introduction to the Incident
Arson Charge
A Gary man was charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to an apartment complex in Carpentersville last November, heavily damaging the building and displacing dozens of residents.
Garland McGhee III | Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office
CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – A Gary man was charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to an apartment complex in Carpentersville last November, heavily damaging the building and displacing dozens of residents.
Details of the Incident
What We Know
What we know:
Garland McGhee III, 30, allegedly set the fire on Nov. 29 at Meadowdale Apartments located at 104 Meadowdale Court, according to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The fire extended from the first floor to the roof and damaged the homes and property of 24 families living in the building. Officials said the damage was in excess of $100,000.
The fire was put out within a couple of hours. One person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was not hospitalized. Dozens of residents were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross, Kane County OEM and the local Moose Lodge with temporary living conditions.
Charges and Arrest
Charges
McGhee was arrested in Indiana on Jan. 14 and charged with aggravated arson, residential arson, arson to personal property with damage more than $150 and criminal damage with fire of more than $100,000, all felonies.
On Tuesday, McGhee was ordered to be held in custody ahead of his trial.
Video and Next Steps
Video and Upcoming Court Appearance
The video below came from a previous Fox Chicago report.

What’s next:
His next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Kane County Judicial Center.
Source of Information
Source
The Source: The information in this article came from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office and previous Fox Chicago reporting.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the severity of arson and its impact on communities, resulting in significant damage and displacement of residents. It is crucial for law enforcement and the community to work together to prevent such incidents and ensure justice is served.
FAQs
- Q: Who was charged with arson in the Carpentersville apartment fire?
A: Garland McGhee III was charged with arson. - Q: What was the extent of the damage from the fire?
A: The fire damaged the homes and property of 24 families and exceeded $100,000 in damages. - Q: When is the next court appearance for Garland McGhee III?
A: His next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Kane County Judicial Center.


