Erik J. Crump, 21, of Beach Park allegedly started a fire in his bedroom, after family members told him he would not be able to live there anymore.
Lake County sheriff's deputies responded to a home in the 40100-block of North Lone Oak Road in Beach Park about 7:30 p.m. Thursday for reports of a non-violent argument.
Family said Crump, who lived there, was arguing with others in the home.
Deputies helped deescalate the situation.
SEE ALSO: CTA Blue Line fire attack suspect charged with terrorism to remain in custody, judge rules
Just over an hour later, emergency crews were called to a fire at the home.
A man matching Crump's description was seen armed with a knife nearby, police said.
He was taken into custody at a storage facility in the 39400-block of North Lewis Avenue, police said.
The home sustained major damage in the fire.
Crump has been charged with aggravated arson and residential arson in the incident.
He was due in court Friday.
"It's nothing short of a blessing that nobody was injured or killed in this senseless act. While families across Lake County were sitting down for Thanksgiving, our dispatchers were answering the call, and our deputies were out responding to them. Our team, along with our fire service partners, responded within minutes, secured the area, helped ensure the fire was extinguished, and took this individual into custody before anyone else was put at risk. I am incredibly proud of their professionalism and their commitment to keeping our community safe every hour of every day," Sheriff John D. Idleburg said in a statement.