Man accused of starting fire that killed Chicago fire captain denied pre-trial release; visitation for fallen firefighter is Monday

CHICAGO — The man accused of starting a fire that killed a Chicago fire captain Wednesday morning has been denied pre-trial release.

During a detention hearing Saturday, a judge ordered that Charles Green, 44, will remain in custody after being charged in the death of 54-year-old Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer.

The judge said Green’s alleged actions placed first responders in danger, leading to the death of Meyer, killed while battling a garage fire Wednesday morning in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side when the garage roof collapsed on him.

A public visitation for Meyer, who served nearly 30 years with CFD, is scheduled for Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, located at 6000 North Milwaukee Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood. A memorial service will follow at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles.

Additionally, volunteers will tie red ribbons up and down the street along N. Milwaukee Ave. later Sunday morning during a show of support for Meyer’s family.

Those who wish to support the family can also make a donation HERE via The Yard Foundation, a charity that provides funding and assistance to firefighters, first responders, and their families who are in need, be it from illness, disease, or other circumstances. Visit theyardfoundation.org for more information or to make a donation.

There was a strong show of support on Saturday from Chicago firefighters and others at the Cook County Criminal Building.

“That’s what we’re about,” President of Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 Pat Cleary said. “We’re a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and we support our members and we support their families.”

“Chicago lost a hero last week, and we can never forget that,” Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) said.

“At the end of the day, we were here to show support for the brave men and women who every day put on the uniform,” Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said.

Green was arrested just hours after the fire, according to Chicago police. He allegedly set a nearby trash can on fire, and the flames spread to the garage, according to investigators.

On Friday, Green was charged with aggravated arson and first-degree murder.

According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, Green was seen on surveillance video entering and leaving an alley moments before the fire started, then looking back toward a garage engulfed in flames. Prosecutors say police found lighters, lighter fluid and accelerators on Green’s clothes at his home.

Prosecutors did not, however, give a motive for Green’s alleged actions.

Green admitted to being the person in the surveillance videos, but he did not admit to setting the fire, according to authorities. Green’s attorney says surveillance video does not show him actually setting the fire.

Court documents reveal that Green has a vast criminal history that dates back 25 years and includes five felony convictions. At the time of the fire, he had a warrant out for his arrest on retail theft.

Firefighters said they’re thankful Green will remain behind bars, especially for the sake of Meyer’s family.

“They’re broken up,” Cleary said. “They lost a father and a husband. It’s understandable. It’s horrendous.”

Green has two scheduled court appearances this week, one for the charges he’s facing for retail theft and the other for the charges he’s facing for the fire.