Detroit Man Charged with Arson Fire that Injured Seven Firefighters

DETROIT, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Detroit man was charged today on federal arson violations relating to a August 13, 2010 fire at a commercial retail building on Detroit's east side that injured seven Detroit firefighters, announced  Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Thomas  Brandon,  Detroit Field Division,  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) .

Samson Tyrone Wright, 29, of Detroit, was charged with intentionally damaging/destroying a commercial building by fire located 13147 East Jefferson Avenue. The building contained several businesses.

Investigations  by ATF special agents, ATF special agent certified fire investigators, and investigators from the Detroit Fire Department's arson unit determined that the cause of the fire was incendiary (intentionally started) and that the fire originated in the rear of the Metro PCS business establishment. Additional information developed indicated that Wright caused the fire.

"Today's arrest reflects ATF's ability to saturate this case with investigative resources and to work shoulder to shoulder with the Detroit Fire Department, the Detroit Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and the arson unit for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office," said SAC Brandon.   "ATF stands committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to address violent crime, particularly when there is loss of life or personal injury."

Under the statues involved, Wright faces penalties ranging from seven up to 40 years of federal imprisonment.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trail at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated jointly by ATF, the Detroit Fire Department's arson unit, the Detroit Police Department, the Michigan State Police. and the arson unit for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

For more information on ATF and the National Response Team go to www.atf.gov.

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives