An arsonist set three houses ablaze within six blocks of each other on Detroit’s east side Sunday, draining the fire department’s resources and leaving large areas of the city without fire protection.
Arson investigators captured the suspect about 13 blocks away at a gravestone retailer at 661 E. 8 Mile.
More than 20 engines and trucks were called to three fires that consumed at least four vacant houses and damaged an occupied home. That left downtown and most of the city without fire protection.
Firefighters were first called to Greeley and E. 8 Mile at 11:17 a.m. after someone set fire to a vacant two-story house. While responding, firefighters discovered a second vacant house fire a block away on Hull at 8 Mile at 11:38 a.m.
Just 14 minutes later, firefighters spotted another vacant house on fire a few blocks away. It would later damage a neighboring occupied home.
At 12:30 p.m., about 13 blocks west on 8 Mile, fire investigators said they found the suspect.
“We just apprehended the suspect,” an arson investigator radioed in.
The identity of the suspect isn’t yet known.
No injuries were reported.
Arsonist torches 3 houses on Detroit’s east side Sunday, draining city of fire protection added by Steve Neavling on
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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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