Gangs suspected in Chicago car arson spree

CHICAGO, June 24 (UPI) -- Chicago police suspect gangs were behind the torching of some 16 cars parked on the city's West and Northwest Sides this week.

Police and firefighters discovered the vehicle arsons Tuesday and were continuing their investigations.

Police Superintendent Jody Weis told reporters street gang members were being considered as suspects although their possible motivation for setting the fires was not known.

"We don't know if it's just random violence, pranks, mischief, whatever," Weis said. "We don't know yet. We're still looking at it because quite a few cars were torched and we've got to find out why."

Some of the folks whose vehicles were damaged or destroyed told the Chicago Tribune they had seen members of local hangs hanging around, but had no idea why they would have been targeted.