Bridgeport news: Body found in trunk of burning car, Chicago police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A body was found in the trunk of a burning car in the Bridgeport neighborhood Friday morning, Chicago police said.

Police and fire crews responded to an alley in the 3700-block of South Parnell Avenue at about 2:08 a.m.

When firefighters put out the vehicle fire, a victim was found unresponsive in the trunk of the car, police said. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police haven't said what led up to the incident, but the registered owner of the vehicle said his car may have been stolen. He said it's been at a dealership in Lansing in recent days for repairs, and said the police showed up at his home Friday to gather more information.

He called the entire incident shocking.

It's possible the body was so badly burned, it's difficult to identify the victim.

Area One detectives are trying to figure out what happened as the medical examiner's office works to identify the body.

Bridgeport residents are anxious to find out details. One homeowner said she had gotten home just a couple hours before the fire.

"We didn't hear anything; the kids, my husband and I slept through all of the activity but then we saw on our doorbell camera the firetrucks pulling up and the smoke, so I'm very grateful I walked in before it happened," said Dana Grazinia, Bridgeport resident.

Evidence technicians were on the scene working to gather information Friday. No one is currently in custody.