Burglary And Arson At Northwest Side Church
CHICAGO (CBS) – An arson fire broke out early Monday during a burglary at St. Genevieve Roman Catholic Church in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood.
Police responded to a call just after midnight of a burglary in progress at the church near the intersection of Altgeld and Le Man, CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports.
When police arrived, they spotted a man climbing out of the window in the back of the church. They also spotted smoke and flames, determining that the man appeared to have set fire to the church.
The Chicago Fire Department was called to the scene and they quickly extinguished the blaze.
Damage to the church with described as minimal. No injuries were reported.
The burglary suspect was arrested and is currently being questioned. Area North detectives and the police Bomb and Arson unit are investigating.
Officials at the church have opened a few windows to try and air out the sanctuary and other rooms in the rear of the church. Several windows in the back of the church appear to have been broken out.