Man Arrested For Firefighter's Death

Police Investigating Whether Suspected Arsonist Acted On His Own

DETROIT – The man accused of starting a fire that killed a well-known Detroit firefighter was arraigned via video Friday on several arson charges including arson causing death. At least two others are being investigated in connection with the deadly fire.

Walter Harris was killed Nov. 15, 2008, when the roof of an abandoned home on Kirby Street caved in while he was battling the flames. Four other firefighters were injured.

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Friday, Detroit Police said Darian Dove, 40, poured gasoline on the steps of the home on Kirby Street and set it on fire.

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Police are looking into whether Dove acted on his own and are now investigating the homeowner and her boyfriend. Officers said Dove is friends with the homeowner and that the home was insured at the time of the fire.

?Whether its profit or whether it?s for thrill, set a location on fire and having a firefighter go there to try to protect lives and property and to die doing that,? said Lt. Duane Blackmon of the Detroit Police Department.

Harris was a 17-year department veteran and father to six boys, one of whom is also a Detroit firefighter.

Thousands attended Harris' funeral and his death sparking an outcry in the community for the demolition of abandoned buildings, which community leaders argued were targets for arsonists.

In December, fellow firefighters and family members watched as the city demolished the abandoned house where Harris was killed.

Dove is being held without bail.