LINCOLN PARK (WWJ) - Police are turning to the public for help in identifying a person of interest connected to an arson case that saw a Downriver youth sports facility destroyed by fire last month.
The Lincoln Park Police Department released surveillance video of the incident which they say showed the person responsible for setting fire to the Lincoln Park Junior Rails Football and Cheer facility located at 4050 River Drive back on Oct. 2.
In the video captured near the facility, a person is seen gathering material from a garbage can, stuffing it into the overhang of the building and lighting it on fire.
The blaze grew large enough until someone nearby noticed the facility was on fire and called 911.
"Multiple Fire Departments from surrounding cities responded to the location, but the building was unable to be saved due to the severe damage sustained from the fire," Lincoln Park police said.
Glenn Higgins, president of Junior Rails Youth Football and Cheerleading, took to social media to inform the community of the fire and clarified no one was hurt or at the facility at the time of the blaze, which broke out sometime before 4 p.m.
But the building -- and everything inside of it -- was lost.
"Every bit of our practice equipment, tackling dummies, practice dummies, every pad, every piece of equipment that wasn’t on a child’s back was in that building,” Higgins told WDIV in the aftermath of the incident.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the league replace the equipment that was lost. As of Wednesday, Nov. 15, the crowdfunding page has raised $4,305 out of a $10,000 goal.
The Jr. Rails website says the organization prides itself on inspiring youth through football and cheerleading by teaching fair play, sportsmanship, honesty, and fellowship. Over 150 children from the ages five to 13 participate in its cheer and football programs.
Police urge anyone with any information about the case or anyone who recognizes the individual in the video to give the department a call.
Tipsters are asked to speak with Detective Lieutenant Hammerle at 313-381-1800 ext. 2233 or Detective Brown at 313-381-1800 ext. 2231.
Callers can reference complaint number 23-22486.
Tipsters can remain anonymous.