An arsonist set fire to at least six dumpsters in Lincoln Park and Lakeview overnight, police said. One of the fires spread to a residential garage. No one is in custody, and no injuries have been reported.
Police officers who were investigating a burglary discovered the first fire in an alley behind the 700 block of West Wrightwood around 1:20 a.m. Thirty minutes later, another fire was found behind the 700 block of West Schubert after it ignited a nearby garage.
Fire personnel and arson investigators responded to three additional scenes:
- on the 500 block of West Wellington at 2:52 a.m., where two dumpsters were found ablaze
- on the 600 block of West Diversey at 2:54 a.m.
- on the 2700 block of North Lehmann Court at 3:30 a.m.
A homeowner’s surveillance camera captured images of the offender setting one of the fires by throwing a burning piece of paper into the trash receptacle. Police initially described the arsonist as a slender man of unknown race who stands 5’5” to 5’9” tall. He wore a white or tan baseball hat with a dark jacket or coat.
Area North detectives are investigating.
