Overview
- Police arrested a 38-year-old Pittsfield Township woman in connection with a Sterling Heights utility pole fire that occurred on Oct. 2 after firefighters were called to a blaze outside a dollar store on Hall Road.
- DTE Energy says investigators found at least eight utility poles had been doused with gasoline and set on fire, causing outages that affected thousands of customers and diverting emergency crews and lineworkers.
- Officers say the suspect fled the Sterling Heights scene and nearly struck a firefighter, and investigators obtained an arrest warrant before locating her with the help of Flock license-plate reader data.
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and certified fire investigators have joined the probe as detectives examine possible links to other recent arsons in Southeast Michigan, including incidents in Ypsilanti and Auburn Hills.
- Authorities say the investigation is active and an arraignment is expected soon; anyone with information is asked to contact the Sterling Heights Police Department.