String Of Arsons In Lakeview Might Have Been Set By Children
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police were investigating a string of fires believed to be the work of a serial arsonist in the Lakeview area.
Several garages have been burned in an arson spree dating back to mid-October. The fires have been set along Damen Avenue, Diversey Parkway, Lincoln Avenue, Ashland Avenue, Wellington Avenue, and other streets on the North Side.
According to one neighborhood blog, there have been at least 18 fires. Most have been in garbage cans and dumpsters, but several garages also have been torched. Investigators said there have been more than a dozen fires over the past weekend alone.
Surveillance video from at least one of the fires prompted arson investigators to begin searching for a possibly homeless man in his late 40s or early 50s, but according to the Crime in Wrigleyville and Boystown blog, newer surveillance footage shows young boys starting some of the fires.
That has caused neighborhood activists to fear they are now dealing with copycat crimes.
Podcast
So far, no one has been injured, and no homes have been burned. The affected neighborhoods include Lakeview, Hamlin Park, Roscoe Village, and West DePaul.
Until the arsonists are caught, police have advised residents to keep their garbage cans in secure areas until their trash pickup day, if possible. Residents also should keep their exterior lights on, and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information about or video recordings of the fires should call arson detectives at 312-746-7618.
