Police: Man sets himself, store on fire during Pilsen festival

Photo | Chicago Fire Media Affairs

(CHICAGO) A man is in custody after he set himself and a store on fire in the Pilsen neighborhood during the Mole de Mayo festival.

About 7:30 p.m., a 33-year-old man set himself and a Metro PCS store at 1527 W. 18th on fire, according to Chicago Police and fire Cmdr. Walter Schroeder.

Two officers were also injured during the commotion, police said. They were taken to University of Illinois Hospital and Health Systems and their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The man was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said. Arson charges are pending against him.

The festival was shut down about half an hour before it was scheduled to close because of the fire, a spokeswoman for the festival said. Police helped attendees evacuate without incident.

The store sustained extensive damage before fire was officially struck out at 8:10 p.m., Schroeder said.

Sunday was the last day of the Mole de Mayo festival, which featured food vendors and entertainment along 18th Street near Ashland.