A Prophetstown man has been arrested and charged in Federal court for the attempted Arson of a future women’s reproductive clinic in Danville, Illinois. Philip J Buyno, 73, was arrested at the scene for Attempted Arson after he became stuck in his vehicle after crashing into the building. Danville Police Officers responded to an alarm at a building located at 600 N. Logan Avenue around 4:30 AM on May 20th and found Buyno trapped inside a maroon Volkswagen Passat that he backed into the entrance of the building. The building is being renovated to use as a Reproductive Health Clinic. Buyno also had several containers of gasoline and incendiary items with him. Buyno has a hearing in Federal Court today, May 25th, at 1:15 PM before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I Long to face charges of attempting to burn down a building used in interstate commerce. Judge Long will determine if Mr. Buyno will be released with conditions or remain in custody. If convicted, Buyno faces five to twenty years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.
Danville Police Chief, Chief Yates, said “The Danville Police Department will do everything within its authority to serve our community in protecting the citizens’ well-being as well as their property. Our officers responded quickly and professionally. This was followed up with communication with federal agencies to ensure appropriate enforcement covered under state and federal laws. We appreciate the coordination and cooperation to all agencies involved.”
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams said “”This act of domestic terrorism is not only an attack on this facility, but our entire community. We condemn all acts of violence and the hypocrisy that would allow someone to believe that they can save lives by destroying property and endangering others. Many thanks to our officers whose swift action helped protect our community. We expect that the justice system will prosecute this heinous crime to the fullest extent of the law.”
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and the Danville Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is representing the government in the prosecution.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
