Detroit authorities are on the lookout for a suspect linked to a church arson on the city's east side, a case that has remained unsolved since the incident occurred on April 28. According to ClickOnDetroit, a police scout first noticed heavy smoke while near Mound Road and Dwyer Street, leading them to the site of the vacant church inflamed on French Road near Montlieu Avenue.
Further investigation confirmed the fire to be a deliberate act of arson. Surveillance footage captured "a man riding a bike towards the church with what appears to be a turkey baster in his hand," a detail that has prompted officials to release the image in hopes of identification, as per ClickonDetroit. FOX 2 Detroit reported that the man was later seen riding away from the still-smoldering building.
The vacant church, now marred by char and ash, sits as a charred marker of the arsonist's passage – a community landmark lost to flames. Those with information regarding this suspect are being encouraged to come forward, as public assistance is deemed crucial in the ongoing investigation. A reward has been offered, incentivizing witnesses to aid in the apprehension of the responsible party. The Detroit Police Department’s Fire Investigation Division can be reached at 313-596-2940, while options to remain anonymous include the arson tip line at 313-628-2900 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, as stated by Audacy.
