Ex-Employee Sets Propane Tank On Fire At Biz: Des Plaines PD

DES PLAINES, IL — A Skokie man is facing multiple felonies following several incidents last week when police say he struck a worker with his car at a former employer and then came back the next day to set a propane tank on fire at the business. Roal McLennon, 37, of the 8400 block of Lotus Avenue, is accused of felony aggravated battery and felony arson stemming from the incidents that occurred on May 1 and May 2.

McLennon remains behind bars at the Cook County Jail and is due back in court Tuesday.

At 10:14 a.m. May 1, police were called to the 1500 block of S. Mount Prospect Road for a report of an aggravated battery. A victim told police they had been walking in the parking lot when a dark-colored Toyota sedan drove toward them, striking them from behind. The victim recognized the person driving the car as a former employee, McLennon.

After striking the victim, McLennon reportedly reversed the car and attempted a second time to hit him with the car, but was unsuccessful. A witness to the incident confirmed the victim's recollection of what happened, and also recorded a portion of the incident, which included the vehicle and its Illinois state registration, later identified as McLennon’s vehicle.

Police also viewed security footage of the parking lot, which showed the car striking the victim before fleeing the scene. The victim refused any medical treatment for the incident.

Police then attempted to locate McLennon at his registered address and those of his associates, but were unsuccessful.

At 1:26 a.m. Tuesday, police were again called to the 1500 block of S. Mount Prospect Road to assist the Des Plaines Fire Department for a reported small fire underneath a propane tank on the property. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire without further incident. Police noted there was a surveillance camera on the south side of the building, pointing at the area, but were unable to view any footage from it at that time.

During a follow-up visit during business hours, police spoke with an employee. While inspecting the propane tank, which smelled strongly of a gasoline-like odor around the tower, they noticed burn residue on the structure. Evidence technicians processed the scene, while police viewed surveillance footage, which showed a dark-colored sedan similar to the one in the previous incident.

In the footage, a man, later identified as McLennon, pours liquid on the tower and ignites it, before fleeing in his car north on Mount Prospect Road.

At 3:10 p.m. police located McLennon at a home in the 2000 block of S. Ash Street, and took him into custody. He reportedly made a statement to police, admitting to striking the victim and setting the fire.

The felony charges were approved by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.