GALESBURG, Ill. — A 30-year-old Galesburg woman faces felony charges after allegedly setting fire to a residence on South Chambers Street on May 25.
Emergency responders were called to 835 S. Chambers St. at 6:11 p.m. May 25 for a reported structure fire. While firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, three occupants of the home spoke with police about events leading up to the fire.
Two occupants said Jordan N. Larson had been upset and causing problems inside the home, including throwing items. They told her to leave and followed her out the front door. The occupants said Larson then went around to the rear of the house, and shortly afterward, one resident saw her running away. It was then discovered the back door was on fire.
One resident told police the house had no water or electricity, and that they were using a Coleman stove and fuel in the rear of the residence.
A neighbor called 911 and reported seeing someone matching Larson’s description running from the scene. An officer approaching the address also saw Larson walking away and noted she was acting unusually compared to past encounters.
Based on eyewitness statements, Larson was placed on a pending arrest list for residential arson, aggravated arson and attempted first-degree murder.
At 1:03 a.m. May 27, a patrol officer spotted Larson on foot near Main and Seminary streets. After confirming the charges, the officer took her into custody without incident at Ferris and Seminary streets.
Police said Larson admitted during an interview that she was kicked out by other residents and used a torch to try to burn a hole through the back door to reenter the home. She also said she did nothing to stop the fire or call 911, even though she knew people were inside. Police said Larson expressed remorse and said she did not intend to hurt anyone.
Larson has been charged in Knox County Court with Class X felony aggravated arson, knowing people were present, and Class 1 felony residential arson. A preliminary hearing was held June 9. She remains in custody at the Knox County Jail. Her next scheduled court date is a pretrial conference on Aug. 4.
