Bond set for dad accused of torching home

Bond was set at $100,000 Saturday morning for an Elgin man accused of setting a house on fire while his 2-year-old son was inside in a highchair.

James R. Beavers, 31, of the 500 block of Cumberland Circle, is charged with two counts of arson, two counts of aggravated arson, aggravated resisting a police officer and two counts of obstructing a firefighter.

Authorities have accused Beavers of setting fire Thursday to the first-floor bedroom of a split-level home owned by his parents on Elgin's west side.

When crews arrived, a firefighter ran inside to rescue the toddler, who was still strapped in his highchair as smoke swirled around him.

Beavers also was charged with obstructing firefighters who were trying to control the blaze, which caused an estimated $50,000 damage and rendered the home uninhabitable.

He was arrested Thursday afternoon, but not charged until late Friday night.

Elgin Deputy Police Chief Jeff Swoboda declined further comment on the case Saturday.

The fire started in the first-floor bedroom and only Beavers and the toddler were inside the house when it happened, Elgin Fire Department Lt. Doug Wahl has said.

Beavers has a lengthy criminal record that includes several convictions for driving under the influence and domestic abuse.

He is due in court Dec. 3. If convicted of the most serious charge, he faces six to 30 years in prison and probation is not an option.

He needs to post $10,000 to be free until his next court date.