Reward Offered In Oakland County Arson Case: Sheriff

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in an arson case in Oakland County, the sheriff's office announced Thursday in a news release.

The investigation stems from a Monday morning fire in Independence Township. Deputies said that around 6:54 a.m., they were called to Express Weight Loss and Wellness, 6647 Dixie Highway, for a waterflow alarm.

When deputies arrived, they said they could smell smoke and that water was flowing out of the front door of the building. Fire crews from the Independence Township Fire Department were then called, deputies said.

Deputies said they found the back door to have been pried open and when entering the building they saw a sprinkler head had been activated due to smoke in the building. They also said they discovered an already extinguished fire in the corner near the back entrance.

During their investigation, deputies said there were three total fires found throughout the building which had been lit and then extinguished.

A review of surveillance video showed a person in the building spraying lighter fluid down the hallway floor and then igniting it, deputies said.

Cameras from surrounding businesses showed two people walking in front and behind the building at the time of the fire, deputies said.

Two laptop computers were taken from the business, and deputies said outside footage showed one of the suspects with the laptop and a bottle of lighter fluid leaving the scene.

Anyone who has information leading to an arrest in this incident can contact the Detroit Arson Commission at (800) 443-7766.