(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A suspected arson caused significant damage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines early Tuesday.
About 2:30 a.m., authorities responded to the shrine at 1170 N. River Rd. for a fire, according to the Des Plaines Police Department.
Officers attempted to extinguish the flames when they arrived but were unsuccessful. Des Plaines firefighters arrived shortly after and were able to put out the blaze, authorities said.
A person of interest was identified and detained, police said.
“Although we are very saddened by the painful vandalism the shrine has undergone, we are thankful for the Des Plaines Police and Fire Departments for their rapid response to the incident,” the shrine said in a statement. “We ask for special prayers of healing and reconciliation for the individual who has perpetrated this violent act.”
The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to the shrine and destroyed five statues, said Andy Lepe, a representative of the shrine.
“The damage was significant,” he said.
Lepe estimated that the fire burned for more than 10 minutes before it could be extinguished.
The fire occurred in a chapel surrounding a statue of Jesus on the west plaza of the shrine. That statue, as well as those of St. Jude and St. Michael the Archangel, were destroyed by the fire.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2023.
All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed; contributing: Daily Herald)
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