New Lenox Police Charge Homeless Man Who Tried To Torch Dad's Car, House

NEW LENOX, IL - A 28-year-old New Lenox resident is now staying at the Will County Jail, where he's charged with three crimes in connection with an attempted arson that was averted by the defendant's father. Christopher Camp is accused of arson, residential arson and criminal trespass to a residence. He's been in the jail since Monday evening, unable to post 10 percent of his $75,000 bond.

New Lenox Deputy Chief of Police Louis Alessandrini told New Lenox Patch that the crime unfolded on October 8, in the 1000 block of Southgate Road, at the home of Camp's father. That morning, around 11 a.m. Camp got into an argument with his father, and things escalated. Police say that Camp threatened to burn down his father's house and during the exchange, he turned his attention to his father's car. Then, Camp grabbed a towel, soaked it in motor oil, and tried to light the towel on the fire. "He was about to start the car on fire," the deputy police chief explained.

Watch: New Lenox Police Charge Homeless Man Who Tried To Torch Dad's Car, House

Camp's father called New Lenox police. This prompted his son to decide to leave the property. Officers found the young man nearby and detained him. Camp was initially taken to Silver Cross Hospital for a mental health evaluation. This week, New Lenox police learned Camp was no longer being hospitalized so officers went and out arrested him, charging him with two arson-related felonies and one misdemeanor, the trespassing charge.

On Thursday, Alessandrini said the situation could have been way worse than how it turned out.

"We're very thankful that a family member called the police department before the incident could escalate," he told Patch. "No fire ever started, but based on his threats and actions, we took (Camp) into custody. Obviously, as a police department, we're happy to see that nobody got hurt."

Although Camp's booking mugshot lists him as residing at the home on Southgate Drive, New Lenox police say it's their understanding he is homeless and has no permanent residency.

Booking mugshot via Will County Sheriff's Department