Man gets 12 years for arson near Willowbrook

A Broadview man was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in prison for intentionally setting a fire in 2014 in front of his sister's apartment in an unincorporated area near Willowbrook.

Galvin Harris, 33, was found guilty of aggravated arson and disorderly conduct on Aug. 15 following a three-day jury trial.

At roughly 3 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2014, the Tri-State Fire Department responded to a call of smoke coming from the second floor of the Hinsdale Lakes Terrace Apartments. Firefighters discovered a cardboard box filled with mailing fliers smoldering in front of Harris' sister's second floor apartment. There was smoke damage to the hallway and burn marks on the carpet. The fire had been extinguished by one of the residents.

Prosecutors said Harris had argued with his sister earlier in the day and had been asked to leave the apartment by police. Harris returned later and slashed the tires on his sister's car before starting the fire directly in front of her apartment door.

"Galvin Harris' anger at his sister and decision to start a fire in front of her door endangered the lives of numerous residents and firefighters," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "Arson is a menacing offense with the potential to cause tremendous loss of life and destruction of property. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire."

Harris must serve half his sentence before being eligible for parole.