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Ford Heights cadet indicted for arson
Excerpts from the Chicago Tribune:
A recent article revealed that Kaumain Allen, a 19-year-old firefighter trainee and college student from Ford Heights, has been formally charged in a Cook County court with three counts of arson. The charges stem from allegations that Allen set fire to three abandoned homes in the area. Authorities arrested him last month after a Cook County sheriff's deputy spotted him during a routine check at one of the vacant properties on 15th Street. According to law enforcement, Allen claimed he was sent by the fire department to collect left-behind equipment. However, investigators later determined that no such directive had come from the fire department.
This development comes amid an ongoing investigation into multiple fires in Ford Heights. Since October, authorities have recorded 11 blazes in vacant homes and two vehicle fires. While these probes are still underway, Allen has only been linked to the three incidents he faces charges for.
Prosecutors allege that Allen started the first fire on January 18 in the 1400 block of Congress Lane. He allegedly entered an abandoned home and lit a pile of trash on fire. Interestingly, Allen reportedly responded to the ensuing fire call alongside other members of the Ford Heights Fire Department, a detail confirmed by Steve Campbell, a spokesperson for the state's attorney's office.
Further details emerged regarding two additional incidents. On February 9 and March 3, Allen is accused of setting fires in the 1500 block of Congress Lane. In the earlier instance, prosecutors say Allen poured gasoline onto a pile of debris inside an abandoned house and lit it with a pocket lighter. For the second fire, Allen allegedly used a road flare ignited by a propane torch, tossing it onto another pile of debris and causing the structure to catch fire.
If convicted, Allen could face between three and seven years in prison for each charge, with the possibility of consecutive sentences due to the separate nature of the incidents. Ford Heights Fire Captain Edward Griffin stated that the department had never encountered any issues with Allen, who joined as a volunteer trainee earlier this year and continued his duties until his arrest.
As I wrap up this summary, it's worth noting how these events highlight the complexity of trust within community service organizations. It's a stark reminder that even those we look up to can sometimes falter.
Thanks for sharing this, Dan. It really brings attention to how important it is to thoroughly vet individuals involved in public safety roles.