Suspect in Tuesday arson case ordered to be held

Published 2:23 pm Friday, August 7, 2026

QUINCY — The Quincy man facing arson charges from a Tuesday fire was ordered to remain in custody at the Adams County Jail during a detention hearing on Friday.

Eric A. Nilsson, 25, of Quincy, was in court for a hearing on charges stemming from the Tuesday fire and his brief escape from custody at Blessing Hospital on Wednesday.

According to Judge Tad Brenner, reading from initial police reports following Nilsson’s arrest, Nilsson was found with a gas can and smelling of gasoline about 12 hours after a fire was started on the outside of a residence at 2317 Waters Ct. in Quincy. Nilsson reportedly told law enforcement that he had gone to the home to start the fire and to “teach them a lesson.”

Because he is alleged to have started a fire at a residence where he knew people were inside, Nilsson was charged with aggravated arson while knowing people are present, a Class X felony with a maximum penalty of up to 30 years if convicted.

Because Nilsson previously pleaded guilty to a felony charge of stalking, it is possible he could be eligible for extended sentencing, which could be up to 60 years.

In addition, Nilsson was charged with a Class 1 felony of residential arson, as well as residential burglary, also a Class 1 felony. Following his escape from custody at Blessing Hospital, Nilsson is also facing a Class 2 felony charge of escape by a felon from a penal institution or from the custody of an employee of a penal institution.

On a motion to deny pretrial release filed by the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office, Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Bass told the court that it was clear that Nilsson posed a threat to the community and, in particular, the reported target of the arson. He noted that an emergency order of protection was granted on Thursday.

Bass also noted that, following Nilsson’s escape from the hospital, he was clearly a flight risk.

Public Defender Sarah Lucey noted that if Nilsson was released with GPS tracking, he would be able to seek treatment for mental illness. She also noted that the GPS tracking would allow the alleged victim to be notified if Nilsson was in the area.

Brenner ruled that even though Nilsson has a limited criminal history, that felony conviction was for stalking, and with the new charges, the judge felt it was shown by clear and convincing evidence that Nilsson posed a public risk and had a high probability of fleeing.

Brenner ordered Nilsson to remain in the custody of the Adams County Jail and assigned Chief Public Defender John Citro to the case. Nilsson will be back in court on Aug. 11 for a preliminary hearing.