This browser does not support the Video element.
Teen boys charged in Pheasant Run arson
Two male juveniles have been charged with starting a three-alarm fire at the former Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles in May.
ST. CHARLES, Ill. - Two male juveniles have been charged with starting a three-alarm fire at the former Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles in May.
Both juveniles, one from Carol Stream and one from Wheaton, have been charged with one count of arson, one count of burglary, one count of criminal damage to property and three counts of criminal trespass to a building.
Two additional juveniles, one from Carol Stream and one from Winfield, have each been charged with two counts of criminal trespass to a building.
At about 4:41 p.m. on May 21, St. Charles police and fire officials responded to the former Pheasant Run resort, located at 4051 E. Main Street, for reports of a fire.
When authorities arrived, they found large sections of the resort engulfed in flames.
Over 100 firefighters and more than 25 fire departments were called to extinguish the fire, authorities said.
While investigating, it was determined that four juveniles allegedly entered the property. Once inside, two juveniles — ages 15 and 17 — allegedly set papers on fire in two separate areas using Bic lighters.
Prosecutors said the two juveniles then left the area where they set the papers on fire, and did not extinguish the fire.
"This was more than just a childhood prank," said DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin. "Obviously, there were serious consequences to what these juveniles did. Anytime you set a fire there is the possibility of tremendous damage."
Charges were filed against the four juveniles on Monday.
Berlin said law enforcement used surveillance video and cellphone records to track the crime to a total of four boys — one as young as 14 — and one of whom they said had videos on his phone of the group setting the fire. The boys’ ages range from 14 to 17 years old.
On Tuesday, the two juveniles facing the more serious charges turned themselves in to authorities to await their detention hearing, prosecutors said.
The other two juveniles were notified of the charges against them and appeared in court Wednesday morning.
SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 ON YOUTUBE
"For days, one hundred and seven firefighters from twenty-six fire departments put their lives in danger to control and ultimately extinguish a massive fire that heavily damaged the former Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles," Berlin said. "It is alleged that the actions of these juveniles progressed from misdemeanor trespassing and vandalism to much more serious and potentially deadly felony criminal charges. Thankfully, no one sustained serious injury while battling the fire allegedly set in this case."
The two juveniles accused of setting the fire were detained, while the other two, who face trespassing charges, were released to their parents.
The next court appearance for the two detained juveniles is scheduled for Aug. 1.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Fire destroys Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles
Fire crews were still on scene Monday putting out hotspots and watching for flare-ups after a blaze broke out over the weekend at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.
The next court appearance for the other juveniles is scheduled for Aug. 10.
"It's a huge relief to the community," said Berlin. "This crime had an enormous impact on St. Charles and the surrounding communities because there was so much damage."
He calls it "a miracle" that no firefighters or civilians were injured or killed.
The two boys who allegedly set the fire will face either probation or could be sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice until they turn 21.