Man Charged with Aggravated Arson After Devastating Fire in Rosemont Target

Fire causes $1.5M in merchandise loss, suspect arrested following extensive investigation

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ROSEMONT, Ill. – A 56-year-old man has been charged with aggravated arson after allegedly setting a fire inside a Target store in Rosemont, causing significant damage and resulting in an estimated $1.5 million in merchandise loss.

The incident occurred just before noon on Thursday at the Target located on the 7000 block of Mannheim Road. According to officials, store employees attempted to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher before multiple sprinkler systems were triggered. Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after and successfully put out the blaze.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all employees and customers were safely evacuated from the building, investigators confirmed. However, the store suffered extensive damage due to the combination of fire, smoke, and water. The nature of the building caused the smoke to spread beyond the initial fire zone, impacting a large portion of the store

Authorities, working closely with Target’s Asset Protection team, were able to identify a suspect involved in the arson. The suspect, later identified as Denny Ellis, was apprehended after law enforcement used license plate readers to locate his vehicle in Elk Grove Village. Ellis was taken to the Rosemont Police Station, where he was formally charged with aggravated arson on Saturday. He is currently in custody at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

The Rosemont Target remains closed as it recovers from the extensive damage. Anyone affected by the fire and in need of assistance is encouraged to contact the Rosemont Public Safety Department at 847-823-1133.