Orland Man Set Fires at Cleaners, Another Building: Police

ORLAND PARK, IL — An Orland Park man faces arson charges after police say he set fire to two buildings early Wednesday.

Michael Pawlak, 20, 13535 S. 88th Ave., was charged with two counts of arson in connection with fires at Park Hill Cleaners, 9174 159th St., and at a vacant commercial space at 9186 159th St., according to a release from police.

Police and fire personnel responded after 4 a.m. Wednesday to a fire alarm at 9270 159th St. Officers on the scene heard an alarm coming from the vacant business at 9186 159th and shortly after observed smoke coming from the rear of the dry cleaners, police said.

Pawlak also was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, which had been reported stolen earlier in the night from unincorporated Lemont. He later ditched the car in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart store at 159th and 94th Avenue in Orland Hills.

Pawlak was taken into custody after he was found walking in the parking lot of Park Hill Plaza, 159th and Park Hill Drive. Police later learned he had an active traffic warrant out of Will County, according to the release.

He appeared in bond court November 10. Judge Felice set a combined bond of $60,000/10%. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5.