Manteno Man Arrested for Attempted Arson and Child Endangerment
A Manteno man is facing felony charges after he attempted to set fire to a residence occupied by the mother of his unborn child and her 2-year-old son early Monday morning.
Deputies responded to a Mobile Home Park in rural Manteno at approximately 12:39 AM regarding an in-progress arson. Deputies spoke with a witness who observed a suspicious vehicle parked near the entrance to the park. The witness observed the vehicle’s occupants turn off the lights and another subject attempting to unsuccessfully extinguish flames near the residence before fleeing the scene in the pickup truck.
Deputies were able to locate 23-year-old, Hunter S. Lauridsen at his residence in Manteno where he was subsequently taken into custody for the incident. He remains incarcerated at the Jerome Combs Detention Center where he was booked for: Attempted Residential Arson and Endangering the Life or Health of a Child. “The reckless and malicious actions alleged in this case could have easily resulted in a tragic loss of innocent life,” said Sheriff Mike Downey. “We are extremely grateful that no one was injured and that our deputies were able to take the suspect into custody swiftly. Acts of violence—especially those that place children and families in danger—will not be tolerated in Kankakee County, and we will continue to work diligently to hold offenders fully accountable.”