Chicago police seek arsonist setting fire to Halloween decorations
CHICAGO - Chicago police are searching for a man who has been setting fire to Halloween decorations across Northwest Side neighborhoods.
It’s that time of the year again for ghosts, mummies and skeletons, but what Roscoe Village residents didn’t expect was significant damage to a home. It showed windows and the front door boarded up, siding burned, and caution tape warning of an ongoing fire investigation.
"Hopefully they catch him. Hopefully he learns right from wrong", said neighbor Fred Hackmann.
The home along North Hoyne is among eight locations where Halloween decorations have been set ablaze since October 4. Items were found torched along Lincoln Avenue as well.
"That’s pretty messed up. People should have fun and not be scared that they’re going to be lit up," said neighbor Laura Burke.
The suspect ignited several sidewalk decorations and street corner garbage cans. Three of the arsons have been on Halloween/autumnal decorations that adorned front porches of homes, according to a CPD community alert. One of the homes was damaged by the fire.
Al Victorine looks forward to wowing spectators with his decorations every year, but says residents are now on edge.
"He’s cutting them down with a knife, just bizarre stuff," Victorine said.
Ring doorbell footage of the suspect shows who police describe as a bald white man with a beard and mustache, wearing glasses, about 6-feet tall, and is approximately 35–40 years old. He was last seen carrying a messenger bag.
"Hopefully people don’t let what he’s trying to cause get in the way of enjoying each other," Hackmann said.
The family that lives in the home whose porched was damaged is now displaced. Police say no suspects are in custody.
The arsons took place at the following times and locations:
- At 1:50 a.m. on Oct. 4 in the 4600 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Ravenswood
- At 3:48 a.m. on Oct. 4 in the 2100 block of West Montrose Avenue
- At 4 a.m. on Oct. 4 in the 4500 block of North Lincoln Avenue
- At 4:13 a.m. in Oct 7. in the 4600 block of North Lincoln Avenue
- At 2:58 a.m. on Oct. 9 in the 4000 block of North Lincoln Avenue
- At 3:10 a.m. on Oct. 11 in the 2100 block of West Agatite Avenue in Uptown
- At 3:43 a.m. on Oct. 11 in the 2200 block of West Roscoe Street in Roscoe Village
- At 3:27 a.m. on Oct. 16 in the 3600 block of North Hoyne Avenue in North Center
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact CPD at (312) 746-7618.