DETROIT (WWJ) - An elderly man is facing multiple charges in connection with a house fire and collapse that left five Detroit firefighters with injuries.
Police say the 73-year-old man was arrested without incident Thursday night in the area of Central and Vernor, not far from where the vacant house burned on the city's southwest side.
The fire happened early Thursday afternoon at Whittaker and Mullane, near Vernor and Springwells. While firefighters were inside of the home trying to extinguish the flames, a portion of the roof in the back end of the building collapsed.
Five firefighters were taken to the hospital; three were treated and released. One suffered a broken leg and another suffered third-degree burns; their current conditions are unknown.
The suspect is identified in reports as Henry VanReyendam. He's expected to face multiple charges, including first-degree and second-degree arson.
The Detroit arson unit, Detroit police department, Detroit fire department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the arrest. A $5,000 cash reward was offered in the case, though it's unknown if tips led to the arrest.