Lake County Gazette

Lake County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a man accused of intentionally setting a house on fire in unincorporated Round Lake. The incident occurred on September 15, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., when deputies responded to a structure fire at a residence in the 35300 block of North Summitt Place.

Upon arrival, deputies found the home engulfed in flames. Area fire departments soon arrived to combat the blaze. Information from a 911 caller indicated that someone was seen leaving the home with a gasoline can just before it caught fire. This description helped deputies quickly locate Robert D. Neumann, 43, who matched the witness's account.

Further investigation revealed that Neumann, residing in Cary's 300 block of Wooded Knoll Drive, was responsible for starting the fire. Neumann had been renting space above a detached garage on the property but was not permitted inside the main residence. It appears he poured gasoline at the back of the house and ignited it without any apparent motive.

Fortunately, no one was inside as the house served only as a weekend retreat. However, two firefighters sustained minor injuries while fighting the fire.

Sheriff's detectives obtained and executed a search warrant for Neumann's rented garage space, recovering an almost empty gasoline can. After reviewing the case details, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges against Neumann for aggravated arson (Class X Felony) and residential arson (Class 1 Felony). He remains in custody at Lake County Jail awaiting his initial court hearing.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Information from this article can be found here.