Chicago Police have arrested a person wanted for questioning in connection with the Rogers Park fire that killed firefighter Mike Altman, according to an internal document made public on March 19. The individual was taken into custody Wednesday on an unrelated case and also had an outstanding warrant, but has not been charged in relation to the fire.
The investigation is ongoing after the fire on Monday claimed the life of Altman, a 32-year-old father and fourth-generation firefighter. Police records indicate the person arrested had previous arrests last year, including for possession of methamphetamine and retail theft. Block Club Chicago is withholding the individual’s name as no charges related to the fire have been filed.
A spokesperson for the Police Department said, “At this time, we have no further information to release regarding the death investigation as it remains ongoing.” The Fire Department also stated that “the cause of the fire remains under investigation by CFD, as with any other fire.”
Altman died from injuries sustained while battling a blaze at an apartment building at 1757 W. North Shore Ave., which started around 11:30 a.m. Monday and was extinguished by about 1:15 p.m. He fell through a floor into a basement room engulfed in flames while searching for residents and suffered burns over most of his body. He was pronounced dead Tuesday.
Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said at a press conference that Altman had served nearly two years with Truck 47 in Edgewater and came from a long line of firefighters; his grandfather Edward P. Altman was commissioner from 1996 to 1999. “We are heartbroken by yet another loss of our own,” Nance-Holt said. “We will never forget his courage and sacrifice.”
A fundraiser launched for Altman’s family has raised nearly $430,000 as of Wednesday evening. Visitation is scheduled for March 26 and funeral services will be held March 27 at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel.
