Crime & Safety

Man Sets Himself on Fire at Mexican Festival in Chicago

He also set a building on fire Sunday evening during the Mole do Mayo festival.

CHICAGO - A man clad in underwear and an American flag at the annual Mole de Mayo festival in Pilsen on Sunday set himself on fire.

The man was carrying a can of gasoline when he threw a rock into a store window at 18th Street and Ashland Avenue, reports the Chicago Tribune, and set the building on fire. Witnesses said he tried to run away. As 18th Street was shut down by police, festival goers tried to get through and scuffled with police.

The Mole de Mayo festival, which celebrates the Mexican culinary dish, includes food, music, dancing and even wrestling exhibitions.

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Two Chicago Police officers were hurt during the incident, and the man was hospitalized for his injuries.

more via the Chicago Tribune

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