Ex-Detroit Firefighter Charged with Arson, Burglary of Fire Station
The Detroit News
(TNS)
A former Detroit firefighter has been charged with committing a series of arsons and robberies this summer in Detroit, according to prosecutors.
Eric Anderson, 52, is accused of setting fires in five locations between July 10 and Aug. 4, in some cases allegedly also stealing items from the location as well, according to Wayne County prosecutors. Anderson was not a firefighter at the time of the alleged arsons and robberies, as he resigned in June 2023.
“We have all heard stories about ... firefighter firebugs," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. "Luckily, this is a small number of firefighters, but these stories are indeed hard to wrap our brains around. Unfortunately, it happens and it shocks the conscience. The alleged criminal actions of this former firefighter are horrifying. We will do everything in our power under the law to hold him fully accountable."
Anderson did not have an attorney listed in court records Saturday. He was given a $500,000 cash surety bond and a GPS tether on Saturday. A probable cause conference is set for Aug. 18 and the preliminary examination for Aug. 25. The bond redetermination hearing is set for Monday.
Anderson allegedly broke into a home around 6 a.m. July 10 in the 8500 block of Bryden Street and stole a refrigerator, stove and two pitbull puppies, according to prosecutors. He allegedly returned less than an hour later, set the home on fire and fled the scene. He was charged with second-degree home invasion and second-degree arson in connection with this.
On July 15, Anderson allegedly set fire to a garage in the 8500 block of Central Street and fled the scene. About five minutes later, at 6:37 a.m., Anderson allegedly set fire to a commercial dumpster located in front of a residence in the 8300 block of Bryden Street. He was charged with third-degree arson and fifth-degree arson.
He allegedly set fire to a home just before 5 a.m. July 29 in the 8500 block of Bryden Street and fled the scene, according to prosecutors. While Detroit Fire Department members responded to the fire, Anderson allegedly entered the firehouse in the 300 block of West Chicago and stole multiple personal items belonging to the firefighters.
He is charged with second-degree arson, breaking and entering a building, four counts of larceny and four counts of stealing and retaining a financial transaction device.
On Aug. 4, Anderson allegedly set fire to a home in the 8500 block of Roselawn Street, according to prosecutors. He was charged with second-degree arson.
Anderson was arrested Friday by Detroit police.
“For weeks, our investigators have worked diligently to identify the person responsible for a string of arson fires on Detroit’s West Side, carefully following the evidence and pursuing every lead," Detroit Fire Commissioner Charles Simms said in a statement. “The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing, particularly because they involve a former member of the Detroit Fire Department and an alleged theft from a firehouse while our firefighters were out answering a call for help. ... Anyone who deliberately sets fires, steals from a firehouse, or otherwise jeopardizes the safety of Detroiters will be held accountable, regardless of who they are or whether they have ever worn a Detroit Fire Department uniform."
Several firefighters have recently been charged with crimes. Detroit firefighter Derek McMenemy was charged in late July with possession of child pornography and a Warren firefighter was charged in late June with having inappropriate communications with an 18-year-old girl.
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