EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND) - Effingham police arrested a Virginia man on Tuesday for charges of arson, burglary, criminal damage of property, and resisting a peace officer.
On Tuesday at approximately 10:03 p.m., the Effingham Police Department responded to the Land of Lincoln Credit Union located at 1302 Thelma Keller Boulevard regarding a report of property damage.
While en route, officers were informed that the suspect had also forcibly entered Al's Tire Mart at 1304 Thelma Keller Boulevard after breaking its glass door.
Officers arrived at the scene within one minute of receiving the call and witnessed the suspect fleeing on foot from Al's Tire Mart. The individual, later identified as Patrick D. Galyen, 38, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
According to the police, further investigation revealed that the Land of the Lincoln Credit Union suffered damage, which included their ATM. Police also connected Galyen to a vehicle fire that occurred around the same time in the Walmart parking lot located at 1204 Avenue of Mid-America.
Additionally, stolen property from Al's Tire Mart was recovered after Galyen was taken into custody.
While the total amount of damages is still being assessed, it is expected to be significant.
Galyen was transported to the Effingham County Jail and booked on the following charges:
- Arson - Class 2 Felony
- Burglary - Class 2 Felony
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer
Galyen is currently being held without bond as the Effingham County State's Attorney reviews the charges.
Galyen's is scheduled for his first court appearance on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Lieutenant Detective Tom Webb stated, "We believe this was an isolated incident. The suspect's actions appear to have been random, and the affected businesses were likely targeted based on location rather than any specific intent. The investigation remains active."
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