Granite City man barricaded others in trailer then set it on fire, police say

A Granite City man has been charged with three counts of attempted murder in connection with a mobile home structure fire on Monday.

George Garcia, 18, of Granite City, is facing three counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of aggravated arson.

According to the Madison County Sheriff’s office, a 911 call was received at 9:33 p.m. reporting the fire at 3120 W. Chain of Rocks Rd in Granite City.

Deputies found that Garcia, one of the mobile home’s occupants, had escaped while others were still inside.

Witnesses, and the other occupants, told deputies that the fire was started intentionally and that they had been barricaded inside, according to a sheriff’s department release. Two adults and one juvenile escaped the fire with minor injuries.

Law enforcement authorities say a physical altercation occurred between Garcia and the homeowner, who returned to the mobile home to find Garcia barricading its entrance. Garcia, who had been living in the trailer for several weeks, was quickly located and arrested.

The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges Thursday.

Garcia is being held at the Madison County Jail on $750,000 bond.

The case remains as an active investigation.