PONTIAC (WWJ) - Officials investigating an arson case have asked for the public's help in searching for an alleged arsonist seen in a Pontiac home moments before a fatal fire broke out in mid-January.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, surveillance video captured a shadowy figure moving around the suspected source of a fire on the 800 block of St. Clair St. near Kennett and Baldwin in Pontiac just before a roaring flames engulfed the home on Jan. 17.
Detectives have been unable to identify the figure and have turned to the public for leads. A reward of up to $5,000 has been offered for information that leads to an arrested and conviction of the suspect responsible for starting the fatal fire.
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The Sheriff's office said the entire home was engulfed with flames by the time fire crews arrived on scene on Jan. 17. The deadbolt on an exit door on the second floor has been locked, preventing people from escaping; several residents jumped from second-story windows to escape the fire.
"There were eight bedrooms in the dwelling, which housed men who had been recently incarcerated and were adjusting to life outside prison," the OCSO said in a press release.
Five adults were severely injured. One man broke his back and ankle while another resident required knee surgery, authorities said.
Jeff Donnelly, 59, and Brandon Andrews, 19, both of Pontiac perished in the flames. Andrews was an autistic man who lived with his stepfather in the home at the time of the fire. According to the Sheriff's Office, the stepfather had tried to get Andrews to jump, but the failed to do so and died in the flames.
The house blaze has been ruled arson by authorities; the deaths have also been ruled homicides.
“We would greatly appreciate the public’s help in identifying this person or providing any other information that could further our investigation into these tragic deaths,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.
The surveillance video obtained by authorities from a commercial building near the residence shows a grainy figure going between rooms on the first floor; the person then walks between the kitchen, dining room and living room multiple times.
Police said the flames could be seen roughly 20 seconds after the figure is seen making their final trip through the house.
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 248-858-5001 or the Detroit Crime Commission at 1-800-442-7766.
Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous, information can be called into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (1-800-773-2587).
Online tips can be submitted here.
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