(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Four teenaged boys have been charged in connection with the May 21 fire that destroyed large sections of the former Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles.
A 17-year-old from Carol Stream and a 15-year-old from Wheaton are charged with arson for the fire, which investigators say was started with a lighter and paper, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. A 15-year-old from Winfield and a 14-year-old from Carol Stream were charged with trespassing, he said.
Berlin said authorities were able to identify suspects through the boys’ phone records and surveillance video. He noted the teens thought the fire — which drew hundreds of firefighters from area departments — was some kind of joke.
“They were laughing about it. They thought this was funny,” the prosecutor said Wednesday.
A judge ordered the two teens charged with arson to remain in custody, while the other two teens were released to their parents he said.
Pheasant Run closed in March 2020, after attempts to auction off the property failed.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram