KEWANEE, Ill. — A Kewanee man is facing attempted first-degree murder and arson charges after breaking into a neighbor's home, police said.
Just after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, officers with the Kewanee Police Department responded to the 600 block of E. 6th Street for a reported burglary and arson attempt. According to police, the caller said a neighbor had forced their way into their home, rummaged through the caller's belongings and then began pouring gasoline around the property.
Upon arrival, officers found an active fire at the residence and saw a blue Chevrolet flee the scene. Police said the car was being driven by the suspect, who has been identified as 42-year-old Roberto Martinez. A responding officer was nearly hit by the car, according to police.
A police pursuit ensued. Martinez allegedly led police through Kewanee before briefly leaving and then returning into city limits. Police said several squad cars were hit during the chase and that Martinez drove directly towards fire personnel responding to the scene. Using a squad car, police were able to disable Martinez's vehicle in the 500 block of N. Grace Avenue. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Martinez faces the following preliminary charges in connection to the incident:
- attempted first-degree murder
- arson
- burglary
- criminal damage to state-supported property
- aggravated assault
- aggravated fleeing and eluding
- criminal trespass to residence
- criminal damage to property
- multiple traffic offenses
He is being held at the Henry County Jail awaiting formal charges from the Henry County State's Attorney. KPD was assisted by the Kewanee Fire Department, Henry County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police and the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
