'Romantic Rival' Set Fire To Woman's Car: Evanston Police

EVANSTON, IL — A Chicago woman is accused of setting fire to the car of a "romantic rival" in Evanston at the beginning of August.

According to the Evanston Police Department, authorities responded to a vehicle fire in the 300 block of Custer Street on Aug. 2. The vehicle was unoccupied and was quickly extinguished by the Evanston Fire Department.

Witnesses in the area told detectives they saw a woman crouching near the car moments before the fire started.

"Detectives later learned the vehicle’s owner had been in a dispute with a romantic rival, identified as Sammesha Lewis," EPD said in a statement.

Lewis, 28, was located in Evergreen Park on Sept. 12 by local police, who transported Lewis to Evanston. In Evanston, Lewis agreed to speak with detectives, but denied any involvement in the crime.

After reviewing the investigation, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved a felony arson charge. Lewis' next court date is scheduled for Oct. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Skokie Courthouse.