Crime & Safety
Police Boost Patrols After Attempted Arson At Synagogue
Police have stepped up patrols in Lake View East after molotov cocktails were thrown at a synagogue on Sunday.
CHICAGO — Chicago police have boosted patrols around the Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation in Lake View after the building was firebombed over the weekend. Police have released images of a suspect wanted in connection with the attempted arson at the congregation.
Molotov cocktails were thrown at the building in the 500 block of West Melrose Street on Sunday, police said. Three broken glass bottles and charred black cloth were found in an alley next to the synagogue.
The attempted arson is being investigated as a possible hate crime, police said.
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No fire damage was reported and no one was injured.
The suspect is described as a man or teen with a light complexion, police said. He was wearing a black jacket with a hoodie, black pants, black shoes and carrying a bag.
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More than a dozen vehicle windows were smashed outside of synagogues between May 1 and May 15 in Rogers Park; however, police said those crimes may not be connected to the Lake View arson.
An investigation is underway. Anyone with information is asked to call Area North detectives at (312) 746-7618.
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