Gary man charged with arson in Carpentersville apartment building fire that displaced dozens

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- A 30-year-old Gary man has been charged with arson in a suburban fire that displaced dozens late last year, Carpentersville police said Wednesday.

Garland H. McGhee has been charged with aggravated residential arson, criminal damage with fire or explosives and more in the blaze.

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The fire Nov. 29 left a Carpentersville apartment complex at 104 Meadowdale Court a complete loss.

Twenty four families were displaced, police said.

McGhee was taken into custody Wednesday in Indiana, police said.

Police did not immediately provide any additional information about why the fire was allegedly set.

Firefighters previously said the fire started somewhere on the first floor.

Donations poured in over the holidays to help those who lost everything.

For those wanting to help the displaced find a new home, village officials recommended making a cash donation directly to the Red Cross and noting that the money is to be used for the Carpentersville apartment fire relief.

The video in the player above is from an earlier report.