Ronaldo Nunez facing arson, animal cruelty charges in connection with large Blue Island fire in 2000-block of Vermont Street
Share this @internewscast.com

A man has been charged with arson and animal cruelty following a significant fire that broke out in the southern suburb on Monday morning, as announced by officials on Friday.

According to a spokesperson from the City of Blue Island, 22-year-old Ronaldo Nunez faces three charges of aggravated arson, one charge of aggravated animal cruelty, and one charge of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

People nearby said they heard a loud bang before the fire broke out at a house in the 2000-block of Vermont Street around 4:15 a.m.

The fire destroyed one home and damaged three others. One of those homes housed a hair salon.

A person was hospitalized with minor burn injuries, and two firefighters were released after being taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion.

Although two ferrets and a cat managed to escape the residence where the blaze began, the family reported that their 8-year-old German Shepherd, Lexi, is missing.

One person told ABC7 off camera that his brother, who was home during the time of the fire, had burns on his leg and back. He says the rest of the family was away in Mexico.

On Monday, a spokesperson said a person being investigated in connection with the fire was being treated at Loyola University Medical center for burn injuries. Officials on Friday did not immediately say if Nunez is that person or whether he was the burn victim found at the scene.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

DNA Evidence Confirms Police Theory: Fugitive Father Still at Large Over 2 Months After Allegedly Killing 3 Daughters

NEW DNA evidence has confirmed that Travis Decker is the only suspect…
Eighth suspect charged in viral Cincinnati street brawl has surprising involvement in case

Eighth Suspect in Viral Cincinnati Street Brawl Faces Unexpected Role in Case

An eighth person allegedly involved in the violent street brawl in Cincinnati…
Israeli soldiers in Gaza.

Israel Mobilizes 60,000 Troops for ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots II’ to Capture Gaza City with Defense Minister’s Approval

ISRAEL has reportedly called up 60,000 troops as they look to launch…
Explosion caught on camera rocks beach town after hit-and-run driver hits gas line, firefighters injured

Camera captures explosion in beach town after hit-and-run driver strikes gas line, injuring firefighters

A North Carolina beach town was rocked Tuesday morning when a hit-and-run…
Chicago crime: Micro bully dog, 'Mamas,' stolen from Gage Park alley at 59th, Troy, police say; owner offering cash reward

Micro Bully Dog ‘Mamas’ Stolen from Gage Park Alley; Owner Offers Cash Reward

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago woman is offering a cash reward after…
Chicago Police Department leaders were warned of 'problematic patterns' with 1863 tactical team's traffic stops turned searches

Chicago Police Department Leaders Alerted to Concerning Trends in Traffic Stop Searches by the 1863 Tactical Team

CHICAGO (WLS) — When Limorris Bell was pulled over by Chicago police…
9/11 victims' fund architect slams changes to New Hampshire abuse settlement program

Architect of 9/11 Victims’ Fund Criticizes Amendments to New Hampshire Abuse Settlement Program

An attorney renowned for her role in setting up the 9/11 victims’…
Russia launches largest attack on Ukraine this month following Trump's meetings with Putin, Zelenskyy

Russia Initiates Major Offensive Against Ukraine Post Trump’s Meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy This Month

In its most significant assault this month, Russia unleashed an attack on…
President Donald Trump speaking at a multilateral meeting with European leaders.

Trump Dismisses US Troop Deployment in Ukraine for Peacekeeping; Outlines America’s Post-War Role

DONALD Trump today ruled out American troops patrolling Ukraine — but said…
Aerial view of a captured US M113 armored personnel carrier with Russian and US flags.

Bold Russian Troops Waving American Flag in Combat ‘Eliminated on Frontline by Ukrainians’ Following Provocative Act

WARPED Russian soldiers who flew the American flag into battle as a…
Bryan Kohberger's former professor, fellow students were alarmed by his behavior before murders, docs reveal

Documents Reveal Concerns Raised by Bryan Kohberger’s Former Professor and Fellow Students Prior to Murders

(NewsNation) – A former professor of Bryan Kohberger told investigators that the…
Kristi Noem Paints Border Wall a Very Special Color—at the Request of President Trump

Kristi Noem Selects Unique Color for Border Wall After President Trump’s Request

Since taking on her role, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem…