New Lenox teen charged with aggravated arson
BY SUSAN DEMAR LAFFERTY slafferty@southtownstar.com March 18, 2013 2:36PM
Velazquez
Maps
Updated: April 20, 2013 6:27AM
Bail was set at $1 million Monday for a New Lenox teen who allegedly set fire to a house and a vehicle Friday in the 600 block of Schoolgate Road, officials said.
Christian Velazquez, 17, 752 Lake Road, was charged with aggravated arson, residential burglary and criminal damage to property, according to New Lenox police.
“Sounds like, except for luck on your part, you could be looking at murder charges,” Will County Judge Roger Rickmon said during a hearing Monday afternoon.
“Please your honor, give me a chance,” said Velazquez, who said he turned 17 last Thursday.
Velazquez faces six to 30 years in prison on the aggravated arson, burglary and criminal defacement charges. He is scheduled to appear in court April 8.
Police responded to a house fire in the 600 block of Schoolgate Road at 6:13 a.m. Friday, and while searching the area, discovered that a vehicle had been set on fire and numerous homes and vehicles had been damaged or vandalized in the 600 to 800 blocks of Schoolgate.
Detectives were called to the scene, and through their investigation, found Velasquez in the area, a police department news release said.
No injuries were reported.
Contributing: Janet Lundquist
