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Vandalism spree in Oak Lawn: Dozens of vehicles, garages tagged with 'BLM' graffiti

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Published  July 21, 2024 9:35pm CDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 32 Chicago

Cars, garages vandalized in Oak Lawn and Alsip

People in two Chicago suburbs woke up Sunday morning to finding spray paint on either their cars or garage doors. Nate Rodgers has the story.

OAK LAWN, Ill. - A vandalism spree left dozens of vehicles and garages defaced with the same "Black Lives Matter" or "BLM" graffiti overnight in Oak Lawn.

Eighty vehicles, including cars and SUVs, that were parked along Cook Avenue and Tomcin Trail in Oak Lawn, were vandalized. 

Oak Lawn Police Chief Vincent Bertucci said they tracked a suspect who was traveling down Cicero Avenue and possibly through the wildlife preserve. However, no one is in custody yet.

"It's unsettling," Bertucci said. "We're investigating this seriously."

Monday, Oak Lawn police released two surveillance images of the suspect. The suspect was wearing a dark-colored hoodie, gray sweatpants, brown boots and a black backpack.

Police released two surveillance images of the suspect wanted in connection with the graffiti.

The graffiti, which referenced the Chicago Police Department's 8th district, appeared at Genesis Del Real's residence, alongside her neighbors' properties on 109th Street. 

Investigators are reviewing footage from doorbell cameras, following reports of a masked individual seen canvassing the area.

Oak Lawn Police urge residents to review security footage and report any relevant information. Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call (708) 907-4051.