Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a man accused of intentionally setting a house on fire in unincorporated Round Lake.

According to a press release by Lake County, on September 15, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies responded to a house fire in the 35300 block of North Summitt Place. Upon arrival, they found the home fully engulfed in flames. Nearby fire departments quickly joined efforts to extinguish the blaze.

A 911 caller reported seeing an individual leaving the property with a can of gasoline shortly before the fire began. Deputies used this description to locate and identify Robert D. Neumann, aged 43, from Cary. Investigators say Neumann intentionally started the fire.

Authorities determined that Neumann had been renting space above a detached garage on the property and was not permitted inside the main residence, which served as a weekend getaway. Investigators allege he poured gasoline at the rear of the home and set it ablaze without apparent reason. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the fire. A search of the garage uncovered a nearly empty gasoline can.

Neumann faces charges of aggravated arson, classified as a Class X felony, and residential arson, classified as a Class 1 felony. He remains in Lake County Jail awaiting his initial court hearing. According to Lake County's press release, all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is tasked with maintaining order and upholding laws within the community. It emphasizes service through education, communication, partnerships, and enforcement to build public trust. The office values integrity, respect, and professionalism and holds accreditation for adhering to recognized law enforcement standards. The Sheriff's Office traces its origins back to 1839 with expansions including additions made in 1895.