Buffalo Grove teen arrested on arson charge

A 17-year-old from Buffalo Grove was charged with aggravated arson after police say he set a fire in the sporting goods department of a store in Wheeling.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jill Cerone Marisie set bond at $5,000 Saturday for Aaron Gutierrez, of the 400 block of Greg Lane.

Gutierrez, who has no criminal background, admitted to police that he ignited a fire starter device sold at Walmart in the 1400 block of Lake Cook Road in Wheeling at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Assistant State's Attorney Ruthe Howes. Gutierrez also admitted that he knew customers were in the store at the time, said Howes.

The fire caused more than $400 in damage, said Howes, who asked the court impose special conditions on Gutierrez if he should make bail. Marisie agreed and imposed a 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. curfew on the teen. She also ordered that he have no contact with Walmart.

If convicted of aggravated arson, Gutierrez could face between six and 30 years in prison. He next appears in a Rolling Meadows courtroom on Jan. 14.