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Paying for parking is never fun. Even less so when parking at an event drives prices up. However, the typical punishment for neglecting or flat-out refusing to pay for parking is a fine or perhaps a tow. Tragically, that wasn’t how it worked out for one FIAT owner and Riot Fest goer who returned to her car to find a burned car. 

A Riot Fest attendee returned to her car, a FIAT 500X, burned after refusing to pay a criminal for parking

Riot Fest is a big deal in Chicago. It’s a three-day, let-your-flag-fly testament to the spirit of punk rock and alternative. This year, headliners like Fall Out Boy, Beck, Slayer, The Offspring, and St. Vincent thrilled fans. Understandably, Gayle Kamberos was excited to hit the festival and see some of her favorite acts.

So, as any concert-goer might do, Kamberos found a parking spot on South Albany Avenue for her FIAT 500X. Now, Albany Avenue is a public street and Kamberos was within her rights to park there. Still, she was quickly approached by a stranger who demanded $20 for the curbside parking spot.

According to NBC Chicago, Kamberos responded with “There’s no dibs here.” Unfortunately, this was not an official parking attendant. In fact, he threatened an unorthodox reprisal for failing to pay. “I’m gonna set your car on fire. I’m gonna set your car on fire.” Admittedly, I think any reasonable person would think that the person making the threat is unstable. Kamberos shrugged the threat off and responded with a nonchalant “Yeah, OK.”

However, after Kamberos returned to her FIAT, she found a horror scene. The criminal had followed through with his threat, and the 500 X was no more. The blaze had consumed much of the interior, melted components, and shattered the glass. Moreover, Kamberos says that some of her property was missing from the car, although some of it could have burned.

Fortunately, police report no other arsons in the area, suggesting an isolated incident. Still, Chicago police officers have yet to make an arrest for the brazen act of arson.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).