June 22, 2026

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Bartlett Police Department arrested 26-year-old Thairy Gonzalez-Valdez, in connection with a fire at the Bartlett Lake Apartments in the 500 block of Deere Park Circle.

At approximately 7:36 p.m. on June 20, 2026, Bartlett Police officers and the Bartlett Fire Protection District responded to an apartment complex in the 500 block of Deere Park Circle for a fire alarm. Upon arrival, responders located an active fire inside an apartment unit. The fire was extinguished by the Bartlett Fire Protection District.

Bartlett detectives, in coordination with the Bartlett Fire Protection District and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, determined the fire was intentionally set. During the investigation, witnesses reported seeing a woman exit the apartment through a window and leave the area shortly before the fire alarm activated. Officers identified the woman as Thairy Gonzalez-Valdez, who allegedly started the fire and was subsequently arrested at a nearby building.

Several apartment units sustained damage as a result of the fire and no injuries were reported.

While being processed at the Bartlett Police Department, Gonzalez-Valdez allegedly struck a police officer.

On June 21, 2026, in consultation with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Gonzalez-Valdez was charged with:

• Class X Felony – Aggravated Arson
• Class 4 Felony – Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer
• Class A Misdemeanor – Obstructing a Peace Officer 

Gonzalez-Valdez was transported to the Cook County Courthouse in Rolling Meadows for a detention hearing. Future court dates are pending.

Submitted by:

Detective Sergeant Kistler #63

View the full Police Press Release here: Agg Arson Deere Park Press Release 6-22-2026