DETROIT – Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a person of interest wanted in connection with setting two fires at a historic church on Detroit’s west side.
Just after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, authorities received a report about a fire at the former Bushnell Congregational Church in the 15000 block of Southfield Freeway, according to the Detroit Fire Investigation Division, which is a joint task force between the city’s police and fire departments. Another smaller fire was set at the church earlier that morning.
The Detroit Fire Investigation Division says a man was caught on video leaving the area shortly before the fire was set. He was seen wearing a light grey sweatshirt, dark grey pants, black and white sneakers and a large black puffy coat.
Read more -- Causes of 2 separate fires at former Bushnell Congregational Church under investigation
Someone matching this description was also seen setting a fire at a Wendy’s location two blocks from the church just after 2 a.m. that same day, officials said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department’s Arson Unit at 313-596-2940. To leave an anonymous tip, people can call the Arson Unit tip line at 313-628-2900 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tips can also be submitted at DetroitRewards.tv or by emailing arsontips@detroitmi.gov.
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