Crime & Safety

Des Plaines Man Sentenced 15 Years for Arson

Police responded to an explosion at an apartment building in 2010. The people inside the apartment sustained minor injuries, according to police.

A Des Plaines man charged with aggravated arson, residential arson and possession of explosives after Des Plaines police responded to a report of an explosion at an apartment building on the 1700 block of E. Oakton Street at approximately 11 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2010, Des Plaines police stated in a press release on Thursday.

Richard Bilik, 35, was found guilty of aggravated arson after a trial by jury in July, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Second District Court on Oct. 2, according to the press release.

Commander Nick Treantafeles, in an interview with Patch, said Bilik had been arrested several times over the years and had an extensive criminal history. When police interviewed Bilik about the arson in 2010, he denied having anything to do with the crime, Treantafeles said.

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Treantafeles said two people were in the apartment where the explosive was planted, and while they sustained only minor injuries, it could have been worse.

“They could have easily died,” Treantafeles said.

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From the information police had, the act was a result from a prior dispute, Treantafeles said.

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