Two men were arrested early yesterday after authorities said they forced their way into a Monroe Township cannabis dispensary and set a fire inside. A sheriff's deputy responding to an alarm around 2:09 a.m. found a broken window and flames, and firefighters moved in to put out the blaze. The suspects were later found hiding nearby and taken to the Monroe County Jail, with charges still pending, according to officials.
Officials: Sheriff's office says accelerant was used
Investigators determined the suspects forced their way into the building, poured an accelerant inside, and lit it before taking off on foot, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said in a news release, as reported by CBS News Detroit. The first deputy on the scene reported seeing the broken window and active flames, and the Monroe Charter Township Fire Department extinguished the fire. Authorities have not yet said how extensive the damage is.
Where it happened
The fire was set at DACUT's Monroe location at 14921 Laplaisance Road, just off Interstate 75 at Exit 11, according to DACUT's website. The company operates multiple shops in Michigan and lists the Monroe store's hours and phone number on its site.
Arrests and investigation status
Two Detroit men, ages 24 and 25, were arrested after deputies found them hiding near the dispensary and booked them into the Monroe County Jail, officials said. Prosecutors have not yet filed charges, and the sheriff's office investigation is ongoing, according to CBS News Detroit.
Context: dispensaries targeted before
Attacks on marijuana businesses are not new in the area. In May, investigators said a stolen Jeep was used to ram a different Monroe County dispensary before a fire, according to FOX 2 Detroit. That case remains under investigation and highlights security risks for storefront cannabis retailers.
What to watch next
As the case moves forward, investigators are expected to comb through surveillance video and other forensic evidence while local prosecutors decide what charges to seek. Community members with information can reach out to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Authorities are likely to release additional details as the investigation develops, and this story will be updated if more information becomes available.
