Orland Park Man Swipes Truck, Sets Fire to Toilet Paper at Two Businesses: Prosecutor

ORLAND PARK, IL -- An Orland Park man is facing assorted felonies after he stole a pickup truck and then torched toilet paper in two business, prosecutors said.

Michael Pawlak, 20, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on felony charges of arson, burglary and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Pawlak’s alleged crime spree began Nov. 9 in Lemont, where he forced his way into a garage in the 11500 block of South Archer Avenue.

The prosecutor said Pawlak took the homeowner’s Ford F-250 truck. While driving the truck, Pawlak got into a minor accident hitting a guardrail. He then proceeded to Walmart, 9257 W. 150th St., Orland Park.

Pawlak left his wallet in the truck containing his ID and debit card inside the truck. He went across the the street to Park Hill Plaza at 9170 W. 159th St., where he discharged a fire extinguisher in the business’s vacant garage the prosecutor said.

According to the charges, Pawlak set fire to toilet paper inside the business’s bathroom. He moved on to another business where he set fire to a stack of toilet paper on a shelf. Both businesses sustained smoke and water damage.

Pawlak was arrested at the scene of one of the fires, the prosecutor said. He also has a pending DUI.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Pawlak is a graduate of Carl Sandburg High School. He is also bi-polar. Pawlak is currently homeless but thinks his mother will let him move back in. The attorney asked the judge to consider electronic home monitoring.

“He’s out of control,” Judge Felice said.

Bail was set at $25,000 for each felony charge. An additional $10,000 bail was set for a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge. Pawlak’s next court hearing is Dec. 5 in Bridgeview.