Arson suspect charged with murder in death of Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer

Murder and aggravated arson charges have been approved for a 44-year-old Austin man accused of setting a fire that killed Chicago Fire Capt. David Meyer earlier this week.

Charles K. Green, was charged with murder and aggravated arson, Chicago police said.

Green who lives near the fire scene, in the 5400 block of West Potomac Avenue, has an arrest history dating back to 1998 for alleged possession of controlled substances, retail theft and robbery.

Green is scheduled for a detention hearing on Saturday.

Meanwhile, funeral services were finalized for Meyer. A wake will be held Monday at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. A private family visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with public visitation following from 3 pm. to 8 p.m., according to the Chicago Fire Department.

On Tuesday a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8305 N. Harlem Ave. in Niles.

Meyer died Wednesday after being called to a garage fire around 4 a.m., in the 5500 block of West Crystal Street.

An autopsy Thursday was inconclusive and was pending fire and police investigations, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The Office of Fire Investigation, assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said the fire was from ignition of contents in a trash bin “by human action.” Chicago police are investigating the blaze as a crime.

“He spent most of his career on the West Side of Chicago in busy firehouses doing what he loved to do,” Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt told reporters at Stroger Hospital.

Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 said Meyer, 54, joined the department in October 1996.

“He was a loyal member doing his job. It’s a dangerous job,” a Chicago Fire Department official said of Meyer.