Hoffman Estates man charged with attempted arson

A 21-year-old Hoffman Estates man faces charges of attempted aggravated arson and unlawful restraint after police say he built a “homemade incendiary device.”

Charged with a Class 1 felony, Ronald J. Brainer was ordered held on $50,000 bond Thursday. Additionally, prosecutors filed a violation against Brainer who was on conditional discharge for domestic battery at the time of his arrest. His bond on that violation is $20,000, for a total bond of $70,000. If Brainer posts bond, he must submit to electronic monitoring.

Police responded about 7 p.m. Monday to a report of a bomb in the 700 block of Bode Road. When officers asked if there was a bomb, Brainer said “yes” and pointed to a device composed of wooden matches taped together with cans of spray paint, hair spray, lighter fluid and other products, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Brogan.

Brainer reportedly became upset when his girlfriend went to visit other friends, Brogan said. The couple returned home where they argued, after which Brainer taped the device to his body and threatened to detonate it, Brogan said.

Brainer, who is not permitted to have contact with any complaining witnesses, next appears in court on Jan. 3, 2014.