Man charged with setting fire to Heyworth home where estranged wife was staying

Posted on June 2, 2022

*Jason Harris, 33, of Bloomington. (Photo McLean County Jail)*

HEYWORTH – Heyworth’s police chief calls it one of the most serious crimes to happen in the small McLean County community since he became chief there six years ago.

Jason Harris, 33, of Bloomington remained jailed on a high bond Wednesday night accused of starting a fire late on the night of May 25 in the 100 block of South Walnut Street in Heyworth.

Police Chief Michael Geriets said Harris’ estranged wife had been staying at the house. The woman and five others in the house made it out safely, according to the chief, and the fire damaged steel siding on the home.

Geriets said a video camera perched on a storage shed nearby showed Harris carrying a gas can.

Bloomington Police arrested Harris four days later, and charges were added because he allegedly resisted arrest.

For the fire, the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office filed four charges including aggravated arson and residential arson.

Bond for Harris was set at $520,000, meaning he has to post 10% of that or $50,000 cash to be released from jail.

His arraignment is scheduled for June 24.

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