An Illinois auto body shop burned to the ground, taking two customers’ cars with it. Hours later, sheriff’s deputies answered another call that led to a strange find inside a township building.
The trouble began early on October 20, 2026, in Mascoutah. Firefighters rushed to Dan’s Autobody and Towing after someone reported a suspicious fire. A Ford Fusion and Kia Sportage were among the losses.
Later that morning, deputies were called to a township building in nearby Belleville. An employee had seen a man leave the garage and followed him while calling for help.
The two cases led to charges against Elijah R. Thomas, 19, of Mascoutah. He faces seven charges, including four counts of arson, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.
Nothing Left
Around 2:21 a.m., the Mascoutah Fire Department asked for a deputy at the auto body shop on Illinois State Route 177.
By the time deputies arrived, the building was a total loss. The customer vehicles inside were also unfortunately destroyed.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal joined the sheriff’s office in investigating the fire. Deputies searched nearby businesses and found security camera footage that could help with the case.
Something’s Cooking
At 11:34 a.m., deputies got a call about a break-in at the Shiloh Valley Township Office on Shiloh Station Road.
A road district employee had seen a man leave the garage. The employee followed him along Carlyle Avenue and radioed deputies on his location.
One deputy arrived at 11:48 a.m., but the man refused orders to stop. He then walked into the road, where cars were passing.
The deputy tried to keep him away from traffic until backup arrived. Once more deputies got there, they put him in handcuffs. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the road debacle.
Back at the township building, deputies found something else.
Someone had put a plastic jar of peanut butter inside an oven and turned the heat up to 500 degrees. Smoke and a strong smell had spread through the building.
The Eastside Fire Department found that cabinets near the oven had reached more than 120 degrees. Firefighters warned that the cabinets could catch fire if they got any hotter, so they moved the oven outside.
The oven was ruined, causing about $300 in damage.
Seven Charges
After looking into both cases, the sheriff’s office sent its findings to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office.
On October 22, State’s Attorney James A. Gomric filed seven charges against Thomas. Four are Class 2 felony arson charges tied to the auto body shop, the Ford Fusion, the Kia Sportage, and the township building.
Thomas also faces a Class 2 felony burglary charge. Prosecutors accuse him of entering the township building with plans to steal.
Two misdemeanor charges involve refusing to follow a deputy’s orders and giving a false name. Both are Class A misdemeanors.
Thomas is, however, presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Authorities issued an arrest warrant on October 22. The sheriff’s office said Thomas was in custody while awaiting court proceedings.