The man charged with trying to burn down a Danville medical building that is set to become a woman’s health Care Clinic told the FBI he would try to burn it again if he had the chance.
According to an FBI affidavit and a release from the United States Attorney’s office, 73 year old Philip Buyno of Prophetstown allegedly tried to destroy the building at 600 N. Logan Ave. by ramming his car into it.
The incident, which took place about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, caused “significant damage to the building, especially the front entrance,” officials wrote. Buyno allegedly had multiple containers of gasoline and antifreeze in his vehicle, as well as matches and flares to light a fire. After the car got stuck, Buyno was trapped inside and could not get out. Buyno stated that he threw a gas can out of the window so the gas would spill, and he could light the gas on fire, but the can landed in an upright position. Buyno told police that he intended to burn his own car, along with the building, but he never got the chance because he got stuck inside and then the police arrived.
The building, the former location of Dillman Eye Care Associates, is due to be converted into a facility where abortions will be performed. The News Gazette reports Buyno told a Danville police officer that he is a “member of a ‘rescue group’ whose purpose was to prevent abortion clinics from being established. Buyno apparently talked freely to investigators, waiving his legal right to remain silent.
Buyno was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon in federal court in Urbana, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene Miller told the News Gazette that Buyno reportedly “experienced a medical event” at the Vermilion County jail before he could be taken into custody by the FBI. Buyno was subsequently taken to OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. His hearing is now set for 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Buyno faces five to 20 years in prison if convicted of federal arson charges.
