Police: Masked Intruders Set House Fire
CLINTON TWP. (WWJ) - Police Fire investigators in Clinton Township say they believe a house fire over the weekend was set to kill the people inside.
Police confirmed a report that a home located in the Villa Di Fiori subdivision, an area of high-end homes where violent crime is said to be rare, was set on fire early Sunday evening.
Investigators said the pair of intruders likely entered the two-story house through a basement window, spread and then and ignited a liquid accelerate.
Fire investigator Steve Conroy told WWJ's Pat Sweeting they have a good idea what was used to start the fire.
"We found a gas can in the basement. The Fire Marshall from Roseville, Greg Roberton, brought his accellerant dog in and she had positive hits. Those samples are in-route to the lab right now," he said.
Homeowner Kathleen Smetanka was on the second floor painting at the time, but her 24-year old son, Brian, heard sounds and went to the basement to investigate. He told police that's when he was struck by one of the two men, in ski masks, who then ran from the home.
Brian was treated at the scene for a minor injury below his eye. Kathleen was unharmed.
Richard Smetanka, who away working in Florida at the time of the incident, was at a loss to explain why his home was targeted, but said he's greatful that his family is safe.
Firefighters confined the blaze to the basement, but the rest of the house suffered smoke damage.
Richard told WWJ's Pat Sweeting he lost his office, TV's and some important keepsakes.
"Some hockey memorabilia, some Alex Delvecchio sweatshirts and a Wayne Gretzky jersey, some Muhammad Ali gloves -- some stuff near and dear to me," he said.
Police are looking for information in the case. Anyone with with a tip can call it in anonamously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
