Man Accused of Torching Chicago Ridge Apartment Building

Photo: Gerard Barron, 35, is charged with aggravated arson. | Cook County Sheriff

Prosecutors said that a man texted threats to his ex-girlfriend threatening to burn down a Chicago Ridge apartment building.

Gerard Barron, 35, appeared in court Thursday for a bond hearing on an aggravated arson charge.

Chicago Ridge firefighters responded to an apartment building that was on fire at 7059 W. 100th St. on August 13.

Prosecutors said that someone had extinguished the flames before the fire department arrived, but fire officials determined that gasoline had been poured on the stairwell.

An investigation determined that Barron had been evicted from his apartment. Before the fire, he allegedly sent threatening texts to his ex-girlfriend that he was going to burn the building down.

Barron allegedly admitted to police on camera that he had torched the stairwell when people were present inside the building.

The assistant public defender told the judge that the charge was an allegation based on a statement.

“I believe he has an alibi,” the attorney said.

Bail was set at $500,000. Barron next court hearing is set for Sept. 10.