Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:
The Chicago police sent out a community alert about eight fires, many of which targeted Halloween decorations, that they believe may be the work of a possible serial arsonist. The alert mentioned eight fires between October 4 and October 16, all in the 19th Police District which includes the neighborhoods of Lincoln Square and North Center.
In each case, police said, the suspected arsonist set sidewalk autumn/Halloween displays and street corner garbage cans on fire. In the most recent three incidents, there have been fires using decorations on front porches.
A fire set early Monday morning on North Hoyne Street caused damage to the home but no injuries. At the time, the neighborhood was still decorated with scarecrows and hay bales left over from Apple Fest. Neighbors said those decorations were targeted three times in two nights.
Chicago police said the following incidents are included in their alert:
- 4600 block of N. Lincoln on October 4, 2023 at 1:50 a.m.
- 2100 block of W. Montrose October 4, 2023 at 3:48 a.m.
- 4500 block of N. Lincoln on October 4, 2023 at 4 a.m.
- 4600 block of N. Lincoln on October 7, 2023 at 4:13 a.m.
- 4000 block of N. Lincoln on October 9, 2023 at 2:58 a.m.
- 2100 block of W. Agatite on October 11, 2023 at 3:10 a.m.
- 2200 block of W. Roscoe on October 11, 2023 at 3:43 a.m.
- 3600 block of N. Hoyne on October 16, 2023 at 3:27 a.m.
Police described the suspected arsonist as a white man between the ages of 35 and 40, about 6 ft. tall with a slender build, balding with a beard and mustache. He was seen wearing glasses, a black jacket, blue jeans and carrying a messenger bag.
If you have information about the suspect or these fires, call Chicago police at 312-746-7618.
