Eric Neuman

A judge denied pretrial release Sunday for a Carol Stream man accused of setting his own house on fire Saturday, causing an explosion that severely damaged neighboring homes.

Eric Neuman, 52, of the 700 block of Hemlock Lane, is charged with four felony counts including aggravated arson and criminal damage to property, authorities said.

DuPage County prosecutors allege Neuman poured 40 gallons of gasoline into six containers and placed them throughout the house, along with two propane tanks he put in a rental car in the garage.

Neuman spilled gas in the garage, lit a flare and threw it in before driving off in another car, authorities allege.

Carol Stream police responded to the fire at about 4:28 a.m. Saturday and determined it to be the home of Neuman and his soon-to-be

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