Surveillance video shows arsonist setting Heidelberg Project house ablaze

After an arsonist struck the eighth Heidelberg Project house in a little over a year last month, the nonprofit finally captured surveillance video of a suspect setting fire to the Taxi House on Mt. Elliot.

The Metro Times reports that the Heidelberg Project released a video that shows the arsonist pouring a flammable liquid in the rear of the house before setting it ablaze. The ball of fire that erupts may have injured the arsonist.

Click here to see the video.

The fire came less than two months after someone fire-bombed the abandoned Birthday Cake House.

The ATF and Detroit Fire Department have been investigating the arsons, which started a little more than a year ago. At the time, the Heidelberg Project was raising money and ended up collecting more than $50,000 for surveillance.

The nonprofit’s handling of its properties and the fundraiser incensed donors.

The Heidelberg Project held another fundraiser in September and October, when two more art-decorated houses were torched. The nonprofit raised just $585.

With the $50,000, the nonprofit was supposed to buy cameras and hire a security guard. The Heidelberg Project dropped the security guard after about a month and now relies on cameras.

The Heidelberg Project released this statement today:

Just after 7AM on Sunday, November 23rd, the Detroit Fire Department responded to the 12th fire at the Heidelberg Project, this time at the Taxi House on Mt Elliott. Firefighters were able to stifle the blaze and the structure is still standing. “These guys are truly Detroit’s finest,” says artist and founder Tyree Guyton. “They work hard to help protect the Heidelberg Project in the face of grave danger. They have my utmost respect.” We thank DFD for their service, and also for the care and respect they continue to show us here at the Heidelberg Project.

The good news is that our new security system caught the arsonist in the act. We have video confirmation of one hooded assailant pouring a substance into the back of the structure, before igniting the accelerant and fleeing. The footage accompanying this statement shows that the culprit may have suffered severe burns to his/her face and upper body after the accelerant exploded upon ignition. The ATF is reviewing all recordings, but enhancement or analysis of said footage will take time.

As a result, we ask for your help in identifying this individual by calling the Detroit Fire and Arson Tip Line at (313) 628-2900. There is a $15,000 reward available for any information leading to an arrest and/or conviction. All other inquiries into the investigation should be directed to ATF Agent Donald Dawkins at (313) 202-3400. We thank the ATF for their continued involvement in this matter, and hope that their year-long commitment to this disheartening saga can soon come to a close.

We must also extend our gratitude to the hundreds of people from near and far that helped us to fund and implement our solar-powered surveillance system. Without this system, we would have little to go on. Now, we again place our faith in the authorities to help bring an end to the destruction. Although this series of attacks is a black-eye in the face of Detroit’s progress, we can only search for solutions. As the world watches, an opportunity for a new kind of civic partnership presents itself.

We are not firefighters, investigators or security experts; we are a small and dedicated group of citizens, artists, and educators who care about our city and humanity. We will continue to do everything within our own means to protect our canvas and to continue carrying out our work.

Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

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