Marseilles man accused of arson after fire where man was trapped in basement

A Marseilles man has been arrested on a complaint of aggravated arson following a Thursday morning fire, Captain James Buckingham said in a Thursday news release.

Jeffrey Peterson, 45, was arrested by Ottawa police officers after he set his brother’s home on fire, Buckingham said.

According to the news release, officers were dispatched at 5:19 a.m. Thursday to 790 Oakley St. after the resident called to report a break in.

“The caller informed dispatch he believed the suspect was his brother due to having an order of protection against him,” Buckingham said.

While en route, officers were notified the smoke detectors in the residence had been activated.

While on the phone, the caller informed police the home was on fire and he was trapped in the basement.

“The responding officer arrived on scene and was able to locate a window basement and assist the resident safely out of the home,” Buckingham said.

Peterson was located at a hotel in Ottawa, Buckingham said. He was on pretrial release in La Salle County for the charge of domestic battery.

He is currently being held at La Salle County Jail on the charges of violation of a civil no contact order, aggravated arson, resisting or obstructing a peace officer and violation of conditions of pretrial release.

In a statement, the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office said there is an active investigation underway in connection with the Marseilles fire.

While prosecutors cannot comment on a pending case, the office did confirm charges were not expected to be filed Thursday. A filing and open-court appearance were expected Friday.

Shaw Local News Network reporter Tom Collins contributed to this story