A blaze that shuttered a gay nightclub in Oak Park this week was the result of arson, Fire Department officials said Thursday.
Oak Park Deputy Chief Kenneth Klemm said his department concluded its review of the fire at Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge and has turned the investigation over to police.
"It's been concluded by investigators that probable cause indicates arson," Klemm said. "Police are now taking the lead on the investigation."
Police Cmdr. LaDon Reynolds said Thursday investigators are conducting interviews.
"We do not have any suspects at this time; we are still investigating leads," Reynolds said. "We are not holding anyone in custody at this time."
The blaze Sunday morning gutted the Velvet Rope, at 728 Lake St. The club's owner, Frank Elliott, said derogatory messages were scrawled on the wall inside the burned-out club. Authorities were seen removing a piece of a wall and loading it onto a truck.
Authorities have not said whether they believe the business was targeted because it was a gay club.
Reynolds confirmed graffiti was found inside the bar but would not describe it or say whether it was derogatory.
"We're hoping that, from additional interviews, more leads will come," Reynolds said.
Klemm said investigators interviewed firefighters who battled the Sunday morning blaze and also looked for the fire's point of origin.
Copyright 2012 - Chicago Tribune
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
