Chicago police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives on Tuesday released a collection of photos and videos as they try to track down people responsible for arson fires that broke out across the city during riots and looting in late May and early June.
Videos released by authorities show six suspects who were allegedly involved in fires set around the Loop and River North neighborhood on May 30. Seven videos from elsewhere in the city show even more suspects. A total of 53 arson fires are under investigation, according to the ATF.
“Investigators combed through countless hours of surveillance video to narrow down these persons of interest,” Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said. “We now need the public’s help to identify these individuals so we can seek justice for the business owners and members of our communities who were affected by these arson cases.”
The first video from the downtown area shows a man who allegedly started a fire at 30 East Kinzie during rioting on May 30. According to a CPD report, the man ignited an unattended Chicago police squad car. A container of charcoal lighter was found near the burned vehicle, the report said.
Another video features three people who are wanted in connection with an arson at 333 South State on May 30.
The third video from downtown shows two suspects who are being sought in connection with a fire at 201 North State on May 30.
Other videos show suspects wanted in connection with fires at:
- Mayo Food and Liquor, 600 North Cicero, on May 31
- 123 Connect at 2401 East 75th on May 31
- Ulta Beauty at 4140 South Pulaski on May 31
- City Sports at 6535 South Halsted on June 3
- Walgreens at 4000 West 59th on June 1
- Family Dollar at 2610 West 71st on May 31
- J&J Nails at 843 West 115th on May 31
Anyone with information about the men and women being sought by authorities can call Chicago police at 312-745-6233 or email ATFTips@atf.gov. Investigators are also interested in receiving additional pictures or videos, authorities said.