Woodstock, IL – A 21-year-old woman is accused of setting multiple baby cribs on fire inside a Walmart on New Year’s Eve. Adilyn Monette has been charged with aggravated arson, according to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.
A judge denied her pretrial release after her court appearance on Friday. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday.
Monette allegedly entered the Walmart on Lake Ave and proceeded to the camping equipment aisle. She reportedly removed a can of camping fuel, placed it in a shopping cart, and returned to the baby section of the store.
Surveillance footage captured Monette retrieving a second can of camping fuel and then pouring it on several cribs before lighting them on fire using matches. She then exited the store.
Responding officers were able to identify Monette through her vehicle registration. Firefighters found the store evacuated upon arrival.
The fire caused an estimated $5 million in damage, affecting merchandise and physical structure. The building’s automatic sprinkler system extinguished the fire.
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese commended Walmart staff and local emergency services for their actions amidst a crowded store. Monette has a pending criminal charge of arson from Colorado and is set to return to court on January 7.
