Man Sets Himself, Pilsen Store On Fire During Street Festival: Police

(STMW) -- 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.

Firefighters on the scene of a fire in the Pilsen neighborhood Sunday. (Chicago Fire Media)

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

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.

"The Mole de Mayo Festival was shut down approximately half an hour before the event was about to close due to an isolated incident by the recommendation of the police. Attendees were evacuated without incident," festival officials said in a statement Sunday.