Arson suspected in deadly Sterling Heights house fire

House burns Friday morning on Bloomingdale Drive

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Arson investigators were at a home on Bloomingdale Drive in Sterling Heights after a fire early Friday morning killed a 17-year-old boy. 

UPDATE: Accelerant used, victim's 20-year-old brother in custody

The fire allegedly started in the den on the first floor of the home. The teen's bedroom is above the den on the second floor. 

 

 

The fire started about 3 a.m. Friday. Sterling Heights firefighters rushed to the home in the neighborhood near 19 Mile and Ryan roads. A mother, father and three children were inside the home at the time. The children are in their teens and early 20s. Four of them were able to escape the fire, but the 17-year-old boy was found unresponsive in his bed. 

Teen trapped in own bedroom

Fire officials said the teen was trapped because the fire started right beneath his room. He didn't have a chance to get out. Firefighters were distraught about not being able to save him. 

"It's always tough on our crews when they deal with that. The goal is to get here and get them out, and get them safely out. That doesn't always happen, though, depending on the fire location and the victims," said battalion chief Mark Docherty.

All signs point to arson

Fire investigators said all signs point to arson, but there is as lot more investigating which needs to be done. They will be going over evidence from the scene. This could quickly become a homicide investigation. 

Investigators said they did find some things inside the home which makes them think this was an intentionally set fire. 

Police are searching for a suspect.

The father was treated for smoke inhalation. The mother and other two siblings are going to be OK.

UPDATE: Accelerant was used, chief says

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About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.