A small fire inside Detroit’s Huntington Place convention center last Tuesday has police searching for a man caught on security cameras calmly soaking a carpet with what officials say was a flammable liquid, lighting it, then walking away. The flames were put out quickly, no one was injured, and damage was described as minimal, according to authorities.
Detroit fire investigators say security footage shows the suspect entering the building shortly before 9 a.m., pulling what appear to be bottles from a bag, pouring the liquid onto the carpet and then sparking a small blaze as he headed toward an exit, according to ClickOnDetroit. The station shared the video and reported that Huntington Place staff moved in quickly to douse the flames before they could spread. Investigators said the fire caused only minor damage and confirmed there were no injuries.
Authorities are now trying to track down the suspect, described as wearing all black, carrying a black backpack marked with several white logos, and covering his face with a gray mask, as reported by WWJ Newsradio. Officials said a reward will be offered for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone who recognizes the man or has information about the incident is asked to call the Detroit Police Department’s Fire Investigation Division at (313) 596-2940. To remain anonymous, tips can be shared through the arson tip line at (313) 628-2900 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, and information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Huntington Place And Downtown Events
Huntington Place, formerly known as Cobo Center, is Detroit’s main convention venue and regularly hosts trade shows and large gatherings that bring thousands of visitors downtown. The facility lists its event calendar and contact details on its official website, which also notes its address as One Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit, according to Huntington Place.
Potential Charges And Penalties
Investigators are treating the case as an arson investigation. Under Michigan law, arson is broken into degrees, with serious cases carrying stiff prison terms. The state penal code spells out first-, second- and third-degree arson and the maximum sentences attached to each, as outlined by the Michigan Legislature.
Police have reiterated that anyone with information about the suspect or the fire should contact the Detroit Police Department’s Fire Investigation Division at (313) 596-2940 or email [email protected], and that anonymous tips can be left on the arson tip line at (313) 628-2900 or with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, per WWJ Newsradio. The investigation remains active, and officials said tips that lead to an arrest could qualify for a reward.
