A man from Harrison Township is facing serious arson charges after being accused of setting his mobile home on fire amid an eviction proceeding. Malcolm Underwood, 49, has been charged with arson of an insured dwelling, second-degree arson, and preparation to burn a dwelling, said the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
On June 21, Underwood reportedly set two separate fires in his home during a time when he was being evicted from the property. His actions led to a hefty $50,000 cash/surety bond set upon his arraignment in 41B District Court, as reported by CBS Detroit. If Underwood is released, he will be required to wear a GPS tether.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, "Criminal actions, especially those that endanger the lives and properties of others, will not be tolerated." He emphasized the dedication to public safety by indicating that the "extradition of the defendant demonstrates our commitment to justice and safety in our community," as obtained by The Detroit News.
Following an investigation, Underwood was also implicated in a separate incident involving driving infractions. He accrued charges of driving with a suspended license and driving without maintaining security – both misdemeanors that occurred the day after the fires, as per court records published by Macomb Daily. After failing to appear in court for these charges on November 1, a bench warrant was issued, and he was later extradited back to Michigan from New York.
The case continues to develop, and Underwood's next court appearance is scheduled for February 26. The community watches, the desire for a resolution to this episode of alleged arson and flight from justice hanging in balance.
