DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and Carol Stream Chief of Police Don Cummings announced today that Judge James McCluskey has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Carol Stream resident accused of setting fire to his home, causing a large explosion and severely damaging his neighbors’ homes. Eric Neuman, age 52, of the 700 block of Hemlock Lane, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Arson (Class X Felony), one count of Arson (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Criminal Damage to Property (Class 3 Felony).
Carol Stream, IL — At approximately 4:30 a.m. Saturday, officers from the Carol Stream Police Department were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire in the 700 block of Hemlock Lane. Upon arrival, officers found the residence heavily involved in fire. The Carol Stream Fire Protection District, with assistance from neighboring fire departments, responded promptly and worked to bring the blaze under control.
During the incident, two adjacent homes sustained moderate heat and fire damage. The residence where the fire originated was unoccupied, and no injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Carol Stream Police Department is working in partnership with the Carol Stream Fire Protection District, the DuPage County Arson Task Force, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
— Carol Stream Police Dept.
Police officers, firefighters and paramedics from Carol Stream responded about 4:28 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025 to a house fire in the block of 700 Hemlock Lane. Investigators later determined that the home that was on fire was the residence of Neuman and his soon-to-be ex-wife, who had recently vacated the premises. Following an investigation into the fire, it is alleged that Neuman placed approximately six containers of gas throughout the house totaling approximately forty gallons, and two propane tanks in a rental car in the attached garage. It is alleged that Neuman spilled gas in the garage, lit a flare and threw it in the garage. It is further alleged that Neuman then fled the scene in another vehicle. Further investigation included a discovery that on August 2, 2025, Neuman texted his wife with threatening messages … “That morning, I’ll remove gas lines from the oven and dryer, after flooding the house with 15 gallons of gasoline. I’ll also remove any flow restriction devices on said as lines. I’ll turn the fireplace gas valve on full-tilt and then exit the house. It takes an oxygen to natural gas ratio of 5 – 15% to cause an explosion. When I finally ignite the trail of gasoline that leads to the back yard, I’m pretty sure I’ll have…”. The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office alleges that Neuman set fire to the house knowing that his neighbors, including children, were at home next door at the time.
Later on Saturday, at approximately 10:35 a.m., a police pursuit resulted in the capture of Eric Neuman in Mahomet, Illinois. The pursuit began in the Bloomington/Morton area. Illinois State Police troopers took Neuman into custody in Mahomet.
“Intentionally setting fire to a residence in the early morning hours while the community is asleep, as alleged in this case, not only endangers the lives of countless residents, but also the lives of our first responders answering the call. This type of extremely dangerous behavior will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be met with the full force of the law. We are all very thankful that no innocent members of the community were injured, or worse, as a result of Mr. Neuman’s alleged actions. I commend the Carol Stream Fire Department for their quick response and outstanding work in containing the fire before it could spread as well as the DuPage County Arson Task Force and the State Fire Marshall’s Office for their efforts. I thank the Carol Stream Police Department for their investigation into this matter as well as the Illinois State Police for bringing the defendant into custody. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyssa Rabulinski and Helen Kapas for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Neuman.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“The alleged actions of Mr. Neuman placed a great deal of our residents in danger. The intentional steps taken that morning could have led to mass devastation and loss of life, if not for the quick response of Carol Stream’s first responder. The Carol Stream Fire District, with assistance from neighboring Fire Departments, was able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading through the residential neighborhood. The tireless efforts of Carol Stream Police Department officers and investigators, the DuPage County Arson Task Force, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office resulted in the recovery of the appropriate evidence to warrant these severe charges. I would also like to thank the Illinois State Police, State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, and the entire DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. Due to our collaborative efforts, this person will be held accountable for his actions.”
— Carol Stream Chief of Police Don Cummings
Neuman’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 22, 2025, in of Judge Brian Telander.
“Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
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