Man charged in Chicago fire that killed fire captain denied pre-trial release

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

Charles Green, 44, will remain in custody after the death of 54-year-old Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer.

On Saturday at the Cook County Criminal Court Building, there was a strong show of support from Chicago firefighters.

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

Meyed died Wednesday morning while working a garage fire in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

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

Chicago police said Green was arrested just hours after the fire.

Green allegedly set a nearby trashcan on fire and the flames spread to the garage, according to investigators.

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

“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.

According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, Green was seen on surveillance video entering and leaving an alley moments before the fire started.

Green also admitted to being the person in the surveillance videos, but did not admit to setting the fire, according to authorities.

Court documents reveal Green has a vast criminal history.

At the time of the fire, he had a warrant out for his arrest for retail theft.

Firefighters sad they’re thankful he’ll remain behind bars, especially for the family’s sake.

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

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