A confrontation on a Blair Township roadside ended with an 18-year-old Traverse City man in custody after a house was set on fire and the homeowners were assaulted, according to police. Investigators say the suspect broke into the home, removed a security camera and took off before the victims returned and confronted him. The clash happened near M-37 at Vance Road, and the fire was reported at a residence on Conetree Trail.
What police say
As reported by FOX 2 Detroit, Michigan State Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Hayden Hul of Traverse City and say surveillance footage appears to show him removing a security camera from the property. The homeowners received an alert, returned to the address and later encountered Hul on the road. An altercation followed, and police say the victims were able to subdue him.
Charges and custody
In a news release, Michigan State Police said Hul allegedly entered the home on Conetree Trail, set it on fire and fled before being confronted by the homeowners. He was booked into the Grand Traverse County Jail and charged with assault, home invasion and arson, with bond set at $200,000 cash or surety.
Legal next steps
FOX 2 Detroit reported that the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor will review the investigation and could file additional charges after examining the evidence. Prosecutors typically decide whether to move forward with formal charges after reviewing investigative reports along with any available video or physical evidence.
How to help the investigation
Fire investigators with Michigan State Police, who cover Grand Traverse County, are asking anyone with information or relevant footage to contact the MSP Arson Tip Line at 1-800-442-7766. The agency’s fire investigator page lists regional contacts and outlines resources used when examining suspicious fires.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and no motive or additional information about the victims has been released. This story will be updated as officials provide more details.
