A Detroit man was caught on video Tuesday setting fire to a convenience store while the clerk was trapped inside after the pair exchanged words, police said.
The stunning surveillance footage shows the alleged arsonist entering the convenience store of the gas station at approximately 2:50 a.m. on June 20, clutching a blue blowtorch in his right hand, and throwing the contents of a garbage can onto the floor.
Wearing a white T-shirt and shorts, the firebug is speaking to the clerk, who is off-screen, at the West Seven Mile Road gas station, the footage shows.
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A Detroit man is shown dumping the contents of a trash can into a gas station convenience store, then sets the trash ablaze with a blowtorch before fleeing. (Detroit police)
The suspect is seen pointing to the rubbish pile on the floor and says something to the clerk before bending down to set the rubbish on fire with the blowtorch, standing with his back half out the door.
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The man flees as a burst of red flame licks the ceiling and spreads across the room in less than two seconds, the video shows.
Detroit man shown setting fire to a gas station after exchanging words with the clerk. Police said he was arrested but did not release his name. (Detroit police)
The clerk was rushed to a local hospital, where he was treated for first-degree burns, according to a Detroit police statement.
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Officials announced on Wednesday that they had arrested the suspect, but did not disclose his name.
Rebecca Rosenberg is an accomplished journalist and author of books with a focus on crime and criminal justice. Email tips to rebecca.rosenberg@fox.com and @ReRosenberg.
Detroit man sets fire to gas station with clerk
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