Teen Arrested for Starting Fires at Palatine Apartment Complex: Police

PALATINE, IL - A teen has been arrested for setting three separate fires in the commons area of an apartment complex in Palatine over the past month, police said Thursday.

The 16-year-old boy and his 19-year-old alleged accomplice, Santa Marquez, of 1488 Ports O' Call Drive in Palatine, were arrested this past week. The younger teen is charged with one count of criminal trespass to property and criminal damage to property - fire for allegations he started the fires. Marquez has been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing to a property, according to a Palatine Police Department press release.

The charges stem from reports police received between Feb. 23 and March 14 regarding small fires being started in the commons area of the Ports O' Call Apartments complex, which is located in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Ports O' Call Drive in Palatine, according to the news release.

Small items of clothing and other material were set on fire, causing burn marks to carpeting, a door and drywall, police said. Police received witness descriptions of the suspects that helped link Marquez to the crime, according to the news release. During the investigation, police learned the 16-year-old boy was the one responsible for allegedly starting the fires.

Marquez was released on a $1,500 bond and is next expected in court on May 9. The 16-year-old boy was petitioned to juvenile court.