Arson Destroys Six Cars in Royal Oak Township
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 5, 2014)
Six cars were set aflame in a Royal Oak Township salvage yard on April 1, bringing firefighters to the scene and destroying the vehicles.
The fire began around 7:30 P.M. at the end of Galaxie in Royal Oak Township, according to Fire Marshal Brian Batten.  The vehicles belonged to Ryan’s Northend Autoparts and were being stored there until they could be shipped to their Detroit yard to be stripped of salable parts.  The value of the cars is between $8000 and $10,000 each.
“Many people would think that setting fire to junk cars is nothing more than malicious destruction of property.  But this crime is much more serious.  Arson is a felony, and setting these vehicles on fire endangers the public and the firefighters responding to extinguish it,” Batten said.  “Fortunately, no one was injured.”
The Ferndale Fire Department is continuing to investigate the fire and request the public’s help in finding the individual or individuals that broke into the yard and set the fires.  Anyone having information can call the Arson tip line at 1-800-44-ARSON (27766).
Those with information may be eligible for an award leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who set the fire up to $5,000.