Investigators: Arsonist Set Explosion At Warren Business
WARREN (WWJ) - Federal investigators are now turning their attention to searching for an arsonist following a huge explosion that destroyed a commercial building in Warren.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is now taking over the investigation at a request from the City of Warren.
William Temple, ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge, would not say much about the case or who might have been responsible for setting the explosion that occurred on the evening of May 4 at Best Textile Services on Hoover near Nine Mile.
"It was an explosion that was intentionally set and the fact is it was done by somebody," Temple said. "We're following up on whatever information we found from the scene inside."
The explosion destroyed the commercial building and damaged about 50 nearby homes and businesses.
Dave Wisneski, who lives seven houses away from the explosion site, said the blast left hundreds of dollars worth of damage to his home.
"Our front window is blown out, we have numerous cracks inside the house and my garage is off the foundation," Wisneski said.
Warren Mayor Jim Fouts wants the perpetrator to pay for all the damage.
"I want to recoup the cost, both emotional and financial, that the residents on Avondale, the residents on Belmont and the residents on Stephens have had to occur," Fouts said. "Many of them have lost their homes. Some of them have had their lives permanently changed."
"We're asking anyone who has information pertaining to this act to notify the Warren Police Department or ATF at 1-800-ATF-FIRE. A reward may be offered for information leading to arrest and conviction of the person that's responsible," Temple said.
To contact the Warren Police Department, call 586-574-4700.
