Alton Man Charged With Arson Near Hit-N-Run

ALTON – An Alton resident accused of knowingly setting fire to a trash can near a Hit-N-Run convenience store faces multiple charges in Madison County.

Elsaventer Branch, 44, of Alton, was charged on Nov. 17, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of arson and a Class C misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

On Nov. 16, 2025, Branch allegedly damaged a trash can by means of fire which was located in front of the Hit-N-Run convenience store at 1818 Washington Ave. in Alton. Charging documents state Branch knowingly burned the trash can to alarm or disturb another individual and provoke a breach of the peace.

The Alton Police Department presented the case against Branch, who was granted pretrial release from custody with additional conditions imposed on his release.

While on pretrial release, he has been ordered not to enter the premises of the Hit-N-Run location at 1818 Washington Ave and not to possess any firearms. He was also ordered to surrender any firearms and Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card in his possession to the Alton Police Department.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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