Arson Fire Destroys $1.5M In Merchandise At Rosemont Target: Police

ROSEMONT, IL — A Nevada man remains in custody in the Cook County jail following a fire last week that caused an estimated loss of $1.5 million in merchandise at a Target department store. Denny Ellis, 57, was charged with felony aggravated arson following the incident Thursday at the 7000 Mannheim Road location, according to the Rosemont Public Safety Department.

Ellis is due back in court Tuesday, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Target remains closed as of Tuesday due to damages inside and cleanup taking place. The store's website indicates a reopening date of Sunday.

According to officials, police along with surrounding fire departments responded to the store for a report of a fire at around noon Thursday. Target employees had attempted to extinguish the fire by use of an extinguished, along with multiple sprinkler heads activating.

The responding units were able to extinguish the fire, which was located near the diaper aisle. All workers and guests were able to exit the building, and no one was taken to the hospital.

Officials said there was extensive damage was made inside the store due to both fire, water and smoke. Smoke damage extended beyond the area of the fire and included most of the store due to the structure of the building.

The MABAS Division 20 Arson Investigators, along with the Illinois State Fire Marshal's office, agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Rosemont detectives were immediately called and assisted with the fire investigation.

The Target Asset Protection department was able to assist police in identifying a possible suspect, disseminating their information to surrounding jurisdictions. License plate readers located Ellis's car in Elk Grove Village.