Some people claim that, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” In Illinois, however, a former mayoral candidate allegedly has a different slogan: “If you can’t buy it, burn it.”

Greg Flesher, a former candidate for mayor and county supervisor, allegedly tried to purchase a 30,000 square foot warehouse. When his bid failed, authorities say he set it on fire, causing a blaze so large it required around 40 firefighters to extinguish the flames.

It’s been four months since the fire was set with gasoline and fireworks, but time hasn’t let Flesher off the hook, who is being held in lieu of $2.5 million bail.

From the Chicago Sun Times:

Four months after an early-morning fire destroyed a vacant Salvation Army store and warehouse building on South Genesee Street, a one-time mayoral candidate has been charged with arson and criminal damage to property in connection with the incident.

Greg Flesher, 48, is being held on a reported $2.5 million bond in connection with the May 3 fire at 133 S. Genesee, which swept through the 30,000-square-foot building and required the efforts of some 40 firefighters to extinguish.

Read the full article here.