UPDATED 2:11 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – A suspect is now in custody for a recent fire at Planned Parenthood of Peoria.
Tyler Massengill, 32, of Chillicothe, was arrested Tuesday by Peoria Police. He was charged Wednesday by federal prosecutors with the federal equivalent of an Aggravated Arson charge, “Malicious Use of Fire and an Explosive to Damage, and Attempt to Damage, Property Used In and Affecting Interstate Commerce.”
The indictment alleges Massengill says he called Peoria Police Tuesday wanting to talk about the case, seeing a photo of his truck on the news while at work. He initially denied involvement, but later said a former girlfriend told him she had an abortion, and that upset him, leading to the incident.
No one was inside at the time, but one firefighter was hospitalized.
The fire caused $150,000 in damage.
Massengill is scheduled to make an initial federal court appearance at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday. If convicted, the U.S. Attorney’s Office says he could face up to 40 years in prison.
CLICK HERE to read the full charging document (PDF).
