DETROIT (WWJ) - A 73-year-old man has been ordered held without bond on charges that he set a fire that injured five people in Southwest Detroit.
Henry Vanreyendam of Detroit was arraigned in 34th District Court Sunday on five counts of first degree Arson, one count of second degree arson and one count of arson – preparation to burn in connection with the fire last week.
A little after 1 p.m. on Oct. 3, the Detroit Fire Department responded to reports of a burning house in the 8100 block of Whittaker Street, near Mullane Street.
According to Deputy Detroit Fire Commissioner Dave Fornell, three firefighters were injured when the back end of the building collapsed; one with a broken leg and the other with third degree burns. Two more suffered from smoke inhalation for a total of five firefighters taken by EMS to a local hospital. Three of them were treated and released, Fornell said.
Police said Vanreyendam was arrested without incident Thursday night in the area of Central and Vernor, not far from the scene of the alleged crime.
While it's alleged that Vanreyendam intentionally set the fire, the motive is unclear at this time. Prosecutors say complete facts and evidence in the case will be presented at the preliminary examination.
Vanreyendam was remanded into custody at the Wayne County Jail following Sunday's court appearance.
He will be back in court for a probable cause conference scheduled for Oct. 17, followed by a preliminary examination set for Oct. 24.
