Downers Grove Man Charged with Arson in McCollum Park Fires

A 19-year-old Downers Grove man was charged Wednesday with one count of felony arson for allegedly setting fires in the concession pavilion bathrooms at McCollum Park in July, authorities said.

Kyle McCreedy, 19, of the 6500 block of Briargate Drive, turned himself into police Wednesday afternoon and was subsequently charged with one count of Arson, a Class 2 felony, according to DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin.

He is free on $5,000 bond, Berlin said.

McCreedy allegedly entered McCollum Park, 6801 S. Main St., around 11 p.m. on July 2 and set fires in the concession pavilion, Berlin said.

The incident was not reported until 5:40 a.m. the next day, when a woman noticed smoke coming from the building, according to police reports.

"We found that a fire had been set in the garbage can of the unlocked men's room," the police report for this incident said. "A portion of the wall on the ladies' side was smoldering and there was smoke coming from the eve at the top of the south facing gable."

The fire department forced entry into the locked women's bathroom and found another fire in a garbage can. Police checked other areas of the park for more attempted fires but found nothing.

Damage to the structure is estimated to be approximately $20,000, Berlin said.

READ: Arson Reported at Downers Grove Park

“The allegations against Mr. McCreedy are outrageous,” Berlin said in a statement. “Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire."

The McCollum Park fire was one of several acts of vandalism, theft and damage to public property reported in Downers Grove this summer. The incidents prompted the Downers Grove Park District to implement a "Vandalism Tipster Reward Program" in August that awards thousands of dollars to individuals whose tips result in arrests and convictions.

Berlin said an investigation by Downers Grove Police led authorities to McCreedy, but did not say whether a tipster was involved.
       
McCreedy’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 14 in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.