Man Denied Pretrial Release In Fox River Grove Arson Case

FOX RIVER GROVE — A McHenry County judge has ordered a McHenry man remain behind bars after he was charged with arson in connection with a residential fire in Fox River Grove, prosecutors said.

A McHenry County judge granted the state’s petition to deny pretrial release for Dennis Carol, 48, during an initial appearance hearing, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

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Carol was charged with arson, a Class 2 felony, following an investigation into a fire reported on April 21, 2026, at a residence in Fox River Grove. Prosecutors said evidence presented at the hearing indicates Carol intentionally set a fire inside the home, causing significant damage and prompting an extensive emergency response.

Witnesses reported seeing Carol leave the residence shortly before the fire became visible, according to authorities.

Officials said Carol was later located a short distance from the home. During an encounter with officers, he reportedly told police he had been using cocaine throughout the day in an attempt “to get his heart to stop,” according to evidence presented in court.

Authorities said an ambulance was called, and Carol became combative with paramedics and assisting officers while being transported to a local hospital.

At the detention hearing, prosecutors argued Carol poses a “real and present threat” to public safety and that no conditions of release could mitigate that risk. The court agreed and ordered him detained pending trial.

Freese praised first responders and investigators for their work on the case, saying in a statement that intentionally setting fire to a home “places lives at extraordinary risk and threatens the safety of entire neighborhoods.”

Carol’s next court date is scheduled for June 30 in McHenry County Court.

Authorities note the criminal complaint is not proof of guilt, and Carol is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.