Cops hunt arsonist who set 6 fires overnight

The Schubert fire damaged a garage that houses nine vehicles. | Provided

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.

Approximate locations of the six fires. | Multiplottr

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.
One of the Wellington fires nearly spread to a wooden deck. | Provided

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.

About CWBChicago 6024 Articles
CWBChicago was created in 2013 by five residents of Wrigleyville and Boystown who had grown disheartened with inaccurate information that was being provided at local Community Policing (CAPS) meetings. Our coverage area has expanded since then to cover Lincoln Park, River North, The Loop, Uptown, and other North Side Areas. But our mission remains unchanged: To provide original public safety reporting with better context and greater detail than mainstream media outlets. Our editorial email address is news@cwbchicago.com