Man found chained to post at Crystal Lake fire

CRYSTAL LAKE — Fire crews found a 55-year-old man with a chain around his neck, and the other end secured to a post with a padlock after responding to a building fire Tuesday morning.

The man told Crystal Lake police he voluntarily tied himself to the post, and was not a victim of a crime, according to a release from police.

About 7:50 a.m., fire crews responded to 1398 Dolo Rosa Vista for reports of a structure fire, and upon arrival found three people outside the building.

Emergency personal were told by the people a man was still in the building’s basement, the release stated. The 55-year-old man was found in the basement with the chain around his neck, the release said.

The man was treated and released from an area hospital for smoke inhalation. The three people found outside the building were treated on the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.