Chicago alderman: Gangs trying to intimidate me with bricks

CHICAGO (AP) - A member of the Chicago City Council said bricks were thrown through a window at his home as retaliation for his criticism of gangs.

A neighbor's garage on the city's Southwest Side was also set on fire early Thursday, Alderman Ray Lopez said.

'œThis is gang intimidation. This is meant to send a message and it failed,'ť said Lopez, who lives with his husband, in-laws and six dogs.

Police confirmed the damage. No arrests were immediately made.

Lopez said the attack occurred after he recently warned a building owner of a city ordinance that holds landlords responsible for illegal activities. He said the property is a 'œknown gang building.'ť

"I'm certain that that message made its way to their gang tenants,'ť Lopez said.

He said his husband, Hugo, put out the fire at the neighbor's garage.

Lopez said a gang member approached him Wednesday and said gangs, not politicians, decide 'œif there's going to be peace in the neighborhood.'ť