Chicago neighborhoods of Portage Park and Lincoln Square have been recently hit by a string of arsons targeted at cannabis dispensaries, prompting the Chicago Police Department to issue a community alert. The suspicious fires, which occurred in the 16th and 19th Police Districts, involved a male suspect breaking into the storefronts with a hammer and hurling Molotov cocktails inside. The incidents took place on the 4700 block of N. Milwaukee and the 4000 block of N. Damen, as reported by the Chicago Police Department's official website.
According to the community alert, the first fire was set on April 19, at 3:13 a.m., while the second arson occurred on April 27, 2025, at 3:49 a.m. The authorities have released a description of the offender, described as a male around 5'9", with a weight estimated between 190-240 lbs, as detai;ed by the CPD. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black gym shoes, and a black fanny pack slung across his body. The suspect also took measures to conceal his identity by wearing a face mask.
Local businesses and community members are on high alert, and the police are advocating for increased vigilance. Precautionary measures such as maintaining well-lit property perimeters, securing windows and doors, and promptly reporting suspicious activities have been strongly suggested by law enforcement. "Keep doors and windows secured," the alert emphasized.
The Chicago Police Department has beseeched the public to aid in these efforts by keeping their video surveillance systems ready to capture any unusual occurrences, and to save copies of any footage pertinent to the attacks. "If you are a victim, do not touch anything. Call police immediately," the alert cautions. Anyone with information related to the fires or the suspect is encouraged to come forward and contact the authorities.
