Suspect charged in string of Chicago Fire Department vehicle vandalism

Jacob Brogdan, 26, faces multiple felony counts for alleged attacks on CFD cars with an ax since February.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged fire truck axle or wheel hub, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the vandalism of public emergency vehicles.A recent spate of vandalism attacks on Chicago Fire Department vehicles has disrupted emergency response and raised public safety concerns.Chicago Today

A 26-year-old Chicago man has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of criminal damage to government property and criminal damage to property after a series of attacks on Chicago Fire Department vehicles using an ax over the past few months.

Why it matters

The vandalism of emergency vehicles belonging to the Chicago Fire Department raises concerns about public safety and the potential disruption of critical emergency response services in the city. The incidents also highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing repeat offenders who target public property.

The details

According to the Chicago Police Department, Jacob Brogdan is facing two felony counts of criminal damage to government property and 19 felony counts of criminal damage to property for four separate incidents since February where he allegedly used an ax to damage CFD vehicles. The most recent attack occurred on April 10th in the 100 block of W. 59th Street.

  • On February 5th at 5:22 a.m., Brogdan allegedly damaged vehicles in the 200 block of West Cermak Road.
  • On March 16th at 3 p.m., Brogdan allegedly damaged vehicles in the 100 block of East Pershing Road.
  • On April 6th at 12:50 a.m., Brogdan allegedly damaged vehicles in the 100 block of East Pershing Road.
  • On April 10th at 5:55 a.m., Brogdan allegedly damaged vehicles in the 100 block of W. 59th Street.

The players

Jacob Brogdan

A 26-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with multiple felony counts of criminal damage to government property and criminal damage to property for allegedly using an ax to vandalize Chicago Fire Department vehicles.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Brogdan and charged him with the crimes.

Chicago Fire Department

The emergency response agency whose vehicles were targeted in the alleged vandalism incidents.

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What’s next

Brogdan's detention hearing on Sunday will determine if he is released on bail or held in custody as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in protecting critical public infrastructure and emergency response capabilities from vandalism and property damage, especially when it involves repeat offenders. It also raises questions about mental health resources and bail reform policies.