Man Arrested For Arson In WRC Thrift Shop Fire

A 62-year-old Interlochen man has been arrested for third-degree arson in connection with a fire at the Women's Resource Center Thrift Shop this week.

Authorities responded to a large fire at the back of the building at the US-31 retail store in Garfield Township Thursday at 1:45am. GT Metro Fire was able to contain the fire. Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office detectives were called in to work with the Metro Fire investigators to investigate the incident. Video surveillance showed an unknown person setting the fire in the dumpster behind the building, which spread to a nearby shed and to the side of the building.

"By conducting an area canvas and through further investigation, sheriff's detectives were able to identify a possible suspect as well as a suspect vehicle in the arson," according to the GT Sheriff's Office. "This information was given out to Sheriff's Office road patrol to be on the look out for."

On Thursday afternoon, a Sheriff's Office sergeant located the suspect and his vehicle in Garfield Township and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect was interviewed by detectives and subsequently arrested for third-degree arson. The suspect's name is being withheld at this time pending his arraignment.

"Sheriff's detectives will continue to investigate this complaint along with Grand Traverse Metro Fire," according to the GT Sheriff's Office. "A detailed report will be sent to the Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review, and additional charges may be authorized in the future."

The Women's Resource Center Thrift Shop remains open for shopping, but the donation area is closed until further notice. Donations can be taken to WRC's South Airport Road location.