Vandals smash nearly every window of vacant Monroe outlet center

Between $70,000, $100,000 worth of damage done, officials say

MONROE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Monroe outlet center that's trying to rehab itself has had a major setback after vandals smashed nearly every one of its windows, police said.

The incident happened at the Horizon Outlet Center in Monroe Township, right off of I-75. The damage is extensive, but officials hope surveillance pictures can help them find those responsible.

"Every one of these windows, they broke," said Dwight Werner, owner of Monroe Martial Arts.

Werner said lately he's been spending more time cleaning up and boarding the rest of the Horizon Outlet Center.

"I spent 10 days boarding this up," Werner said.

Two weeks ago, somebody came through and smashed nearly every single window in the vacant complex, according to authorities. Owners are trying to fix the complex and bring it back to life.

Before last weekend, Werner installed cameras and caught two people on video walking through around the same time as the first incident, police said. More windows were broken, officials said.

Police want to identify and talk to the two men caught on video.

In all, more than 200 windows were shattered, police said.

The vandals also went inside units to destroy drywall and toilets, according to authorities. There's between $70,000 and $100,000 worth of damage, officials said.

Werner told investigators he'd prefer the vandals stay out of jail when they're caught.

"What good do you do in jail?" Werner asked. "Make restitution and not do it again."

Due to all the damage, whoever is responsible faces a felony charge.

Anyone who recognizes the men is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 734-240-7000.


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.

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