DETROIT – Authorities are searching for the person responsible for setting a vacant church on fire on Detroit’s east side.
A Detroit police scout was traveling in the area of Mound Road and Dwyer Street on April 28, 2025, just before 9 p.m., when they saw heavy smoke coming from the east. The scout then traveled towards the smoke and eventually found a vacant church in the 11800 block of French Road near Montlieu Avenue, engulfed in flames.
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Firefighters were able to put out the fire and investigate the area. It was later determined that the fire was an act of arson.
Investigators said video surveillance in the area captured a man riding a bike towards the church with what appears to be a turkey baster in his hand. A few minutes later in the footage, the man was seen riding away from the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department’s Fire Investigation Division at (313)-596-2940. A reward will be offered if the information leads to an arrest, police said.
If you’d like to remain anonymous, call the arson tip line at (313) 628-2900 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 SPEAK UP. You can also submit a tip by emailing arsontips@detroitmi.gov.