Good police work led to the apprehension of a suspected arsonist in connection with a fire that destroyed a Rohr Road residence Sunday evening (Jan. 6).
At approximately 9 p.m., Troopers Joel Kuhn and Chad Gruenwald, of the Michigan State Police Groveland Satellite, observed a vehicle parked at a closed commercial vehicle weigh scales on northbound I-75 in Independence Township.
The troopers turned around, south of Baldwin Road, and entered the northbound scales to offer assistance. But upon making contact, they found the vehicle to be unoccupied.
While investigating the vehicle, a ‘set of fresh footwear impressions were observed in the snow around the vehicle,? according to a MSP press release.
The troopers followed the tracks, which lead towards a residential area in Orion Township.
Upon entering the wooded area between the expressway and the residential area, the troopers heard a loud bang.
‘While trying to determine the origin and location of the noise, the troopers observed a person running from a residence through the wooded area in their direction,? the release said.
As the individual approached, the troopers identified themselves and ordered the person to the ground. The suspect complied and was secured.
According to the release, ‘the detained suspect simply stated he was checking on his employer’s house while he was out of town.?
The troopers, wanting to confirm his story, followed the suspect’s footprints back to a residence, where a fire alarm was heard. Heavy smoke was found billowing out of the residence.
The troopers went to a neighboring home to get a correct address for the residence and called 911 to get the fire department to respond to the fire. Both Orion and Independence Township Fire Departments responded to the scene in the 4800 block of Rohr. Oakland County Sheriff Department units from Orion and Independence Townships, as well as OCSD Fire Investigator and K-9 unit assisted them.
An initial investigation revealed that the suspect is a 50-year-old, Sterling Heights man. According to the MSP, the suspect sustained minor hair loss as a result of the explosion.
The fire destroyed the residence, and no other people were in the residence at the time of the fire.
It is unclear as to the motive behind the fire. The suspect was taken to Oakland County Jail pending charges.