Watch CBS News

Crystal Lake Police Probe Trio Of Car Fires Overnight

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (CBS) -- Crystal Lake Police say they are stepping up patrols in one neighborhood hit by three car fires overnight.

All three fires were set in vehicles parked near homes - all within about 200 yards of each other in Crystal Lake.

Crystal Lake Police Cmdr. Derek Hyrkas said, in one of the fires, an SUV and a boat parked next to it were destroyed, and the fire damaged the home where they were parked.

Two other vehicles, parked not far away, were also set on fire.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller reports

Podcast

"The vehicles, as far as we know right now, were left unlocked," Hyrkas said. "As far as the fires being started, we don't suspect that accelerants were being used. It might have been just some garbage that was collected and then purposely set on fire, but we're still trying to determine if that's the exact case, or not."

Hyrkas said no one was injured, but given one of the fires damaged a home, it's lucky no one was hurt.

"There's that potential, definitely, and ... obviously we're really concerned about what went on last night. So we are going to be stepping up patrols in the area," he said. "I would encourage anyone that may have information, or think they might have information, to give us a call."

Hyrkas said police have a couple leads on the fires, but it's too early to divulge any details.

"But we're still actively looking, and talking to people," Hyrkas said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.