CHICAGO — A 34-year-old man has been charged with arson and burglary after a yacht docked in Burnham Harbor caught on fire Friday, officials said.
Firefighters responded to the blaze on the luxury craft — named Lacerne — about 4 p.m., fire officials said.
While conducting their search, firefighters found a man on the lower deck of the yacht.
Julio Chavez Jr., 34, was taken into custody and charged with arson and burglary, said Officer Amina Greer, a police spokeswoman. Chavez, who was born in Mexico, did not appear to have a Chicago address.
Flames engulfed the entire interior of the yacht, and the damage was "extensive," said Larry Langford, a Fire Department spokesman.
The investigation was taken over by police, and Chavez was slated to appear in bond court Saturday.
