MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – One person was arrested after allegedly setting at least eight DTE utility poles on fire, and police said the suspect may be connected to other arsons across Metro Detroit.
Sterling Heights firefighters responded to a utility pole fire on Hall Road near Van Dyke on Oct. 2. A suspect tried to drive away from the scene, nearly striking a firefighter in the process, police said.
Police arrested the suspect after gathering evidence and obtaining an arrest warrant.
During the investigation, detectives learned the suspect may be connected to other arsons across Southeast Michigan, including a fire in Ypsilanti that destroyed an auto parts store.
You can watch a video of one DTE utility pole on fire below:
DTE released the following statement regarding the arrest:
“DTE Energy is working closely with local and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a series of deliberate attacks on electric infrastructure in which at least eight utility poles were doused with gasoline and set on fire. There is no place for vandalism that threatens public safety and disrupts service for our customers.
These criminal acts not only cut power to thousands of customers but also pulled police, firefighters and lineworkers away from other critical work that keeps our communities safe. The fires created an extremely dangerous situation that could have spread, putting property and lives at risk.
We will continue to support the investigation so that those responsible are held accountable."
