Arsonist Torched $500K Of Insulation: Oakland County Sheriff

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — The Oakland County Sheriff’s office is investigating a case of arson that destroyed $500,000 worth of insulation belonging to the Pontiac School District. The fire is believed to have been set on May 27, between 3 - 4 a.m. in the parking lot of Pontiac High School. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and/or a conviction in the case.

Deputies are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect. He is described as a black male between the ages of 30-40-years-old, 5-feet 8-inches to 6-feet in height, with an average to large build. Surveillance footage of the incident from the Pontiac School District showed a suspect approach the pallets of insulation board wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a dark-colored backpack.

Investigators believe a party bus dropped off people on the northwest corner of Pontiac High School at about the same time the fire was set. Deputies said in a news release that occupants of the party bus may have witnessed the suspect walking through the parking lot at the time of the arson.

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The fire destroyed approximately 20 pallets of insulation board. The materials were to used in a roofing project, police reports said. The Waterford Regional Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigations Unit determined the fire to be arson.

The Michigan Arson Prevention Committee is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of arson related charges relating to this case. The phone number is 1-800-44-ARSON (1-800-442-7766) to send information regarding this incident.

Crime Stoppers is also offering $2,500 for information leading to an arrest. In order to receive the reward, the information must be reported to (800) SPEAK-UP and you will remain anonymous.