Questions Raised About Police Response Before Deadly Rogers Park Arson

Resident says he called police about threats the night before a fire killed a Chicago firefighter, but they never responded.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:34pm

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A Rogers Park resident named Damon McElroy says he called 911 the night before a deadly apartment fire, reporting that he heard a man named Sheaves Slate making threats. McElroy claims police never responded, and he wonders if their intervention could have prevented the blaze that killed Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman. Slate is now charged with arson and Altman's murder.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the Chicago Police Department's response times and procedures, especially in situations where residents report potential threats or disturbances. The lack of a police response the night before the fatal fire has left the community wondering if lives could have been saved.

The details

According to McElroy, he called 911 around 10:30 pm on March 15 to report that Slate was screaming threats like "You're going to pay for this." McElroy said he called back 15 minutes later to say he believed Slate had left, but court documents show Slate was still in the building around 11 pm. Prosecutors say Slate intentionally set a mattress on fire in the basement early the next morning, leading to the blaze that killed Altman.

  • McElroy called 911 around 10:30 pm on March 15 to report the disturbance.
  • McElroy called back about 15 minutes later to say he believed Slate had left the premises.
  • Court documents show Slate was still in the building around 11 pm on March 15.
  • The fatal fire broke out early the next morning on March 16.

The players

Damon McElroy

A Rogers Park resident who called 911 the night before the deadly fire to report threats from Sheaves Slate.

Sheaves Slate

The man now charged with arson and the murder of Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman for allegedly starting the fire that killed Altman.

Michael Altman

The Chicago firefighter who died while battling the fire in the Rogers Park apartment building.

Fulton Grace Realty

The property management company for the building where the fatal fire occurred, which says it took action earlier in March to remove Slate from the premises after learning he was there unaccompanied.

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What they’re saying

“Is doing the right thing good enough anymore? What's the point of calling for help if there isn't going to be any?”

— Damon McElroy, Resident

“They could have done something, because, like, if you can't see that a life is lost and people are hurting because they lost their family member, I don't know what to tell you.”

— Damon McElroy, Resident

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Sheaves Slate to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for improved police response times and procedures, especially when residents report potential threats or disturbances. The community is left wondering if a timely police response could have prevented the devastating fire and loss of life.