Man charged with arson after setting fire inside suburban Target

ROSEMONT, Ill. - A man was arrested and charged with aggravated arson after setting a fire inside a Rosemont Target, resulting in nearly $1.5 million lost in merchandise.

Officials said just before noon Thursday, crews were sent to the Target located in the 7000 block of Mannheim Road for reports of a fire. Store employees previously tried to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher while multiple sprinkler heads were also activated.

Firefighters arrived and were able to put out the fire. All employees and shoppers were able to leave the building and no injuries were reported, according to investigators.

Officials said the store sustained extensive damage due to the fire, water and smoke. Due to the type of building, smoke damaged extended beyond the immediate area of the fire to most of the store.

Investigators estimate a merchandise loss of at least $1.5 million.

With help from Target Asset Protection, authorities were able to identify a suspect and disseminated suspect information to surrounding jurisdictions. By using license plate readers, authorities located the suspect's vehicle in Elk Grove Village.

The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Denny Ellis, was taken to the Rosemont Police Station and was formally charged Saturday with aggravated arson. He is currently being held in the custody of the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

The Target store is currently closed due to damages. Anyone affected by the loss who needs assistance is asked to call the Rosemont Public Safety Department at 847-823-1133.