DETROIT (WWJ) — A suspect is in custody following an early morning arson fire Monday at a grocery store in Southwest Detroit, authorities said.
Detroit Fire Department crews were dispatched to E&L Supermercado, located at 6000 W. Vernor near Cavalry Street, shortly after 7:45 a.m. following a report of shopping carts on fire outside the business.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the flames spreading up the front of the building, and thick smoke in the area.
A battalion chief initially called for a second alarm for extra manpower, but the request was quickly downgraded after the fire was knocked down.
By 9:30 a.m., crews were picking up and rolling up their hoses.
Employees were inside the supermarket preparing to open for the day when the fire started. They were safely evacuated, and no injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
The blaze caused smoke and water damage to the interior of the building.
The Detroit Fire Investigation Division, a joint task force between the city's police and fire departments, and an Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) task force responded to the scene.
Authorities said video obtained by investigators led Detroit police to locate and arrest a person believed to be responsible for the fire.
The investigation remains open.
Additional information, including the suspect's identity, will be released after formal charges are authorized.
In a joint statement, the Detroit police and fire departments called the arrest an "excellent example of great teamwork in action," adding that their thoughts are with the Southwest Detroit community as they support the team at E&L.
