Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man in unincorporated Antioch overnight for setting fire to property at his former employer’s business.  

On July 25, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an automotive business in the 25500 block of Route 173, unincorporated Antioch, for a report of a fire.  A 911 caller reported driving by the business and seeing flames outside in the parking lot area.  The caller reported it appeared a person was intentionally starting fires on the property.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived and located Jonathan V. Tracy, 31, of the 0-100 block of Maude Avenue, Fox Lake, who just set fire to a motorcycle parked outside the business.  The motorcycle was engulfed in flames upon the arrival of deputies.  

Tracy appeared irate and was shouting that he wanted to speak to his former boss.  Sheriff’s deputies determined Tracy was an employee at the business and was fired earlier in the day.  Tracy began setting fire to items in the parking lot, in an attempt to lure his former boss to the scene, because he wanted further explanation as to why he was fired.  He was using gasoline and oil in an attempt to spread the fire he ignited.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Tracy and Antioch Fire Protection District extinguished the flames.  

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the incident, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of arson (class 2 felony) against Tracy.

Tracy remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing this morning.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.