Chicago police issued a community alert Tuesday warning residents of the arson that ignited several fall and Halloween displays on the North Side.
Chicago police said the perpetrator burned decorations on the sidewalk and that three of the fires occurred on the front porches of residences.
A fire occurred around 3:30 a.m. Monday on a balcony in the North Center neighborhood in the 3600 block of North Hoyne Street, damaging the home, police said.
Police said the arsonist struck at least seven other times burning displays and trash cans on the street corner. Other fires occurred during the night hours in the following locations:
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Oct. 4 around 1:50 a.m. in the 4600 block of North Lincoln Street
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Oct. 4 around 3:50 a.m. in the 2100 block of West Montrose Street
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Oct. 4, around 4 a.m. in the 4500 block of North Lincoln Street
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Oct. 7 around 4:15 a.m. in the 4600 block of North Lincoln Street
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Oct. 9 around 3 a.m. in the 4000 block of North Lincoln Street
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Oct. 11 around 3:10 a.m. in the 2100 block of West Agatite Street
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Oct. 11 around 3:45 a.m. in the 2200 block of West Roscoe Street
Police described the arsonist as a thin white man between 35 and 40 years old. He is bald and has a beard and mustache. He was last seen wearing glasses, a black jacket, blue jeans and carrying a messenger bag.
Anyone who has information about the arsonist should contact the police.
dawilliams@chicagotribune.com
