Melvin Lee Templeton, Jr was arraigned Sunday on arson charges for the burning of about two acres of commercial property Thursday on the city’s east side.
The substantial blaze occurred Thursday in the 11100 block of Lappin in the area of 7 Mile and East Outer Dr. The target was a commercial building.
Police found Templeton and another man walking in the area just after 2:00 AM Thursday morning.
When officers approached the men sped off on foot. Templeton dropped a black plastic bag before running.
Officers caught Templeton and arrested him. The other man, described as Indian, got away.
Police said the trash bag contained several gas containers.
Soon after the arrest, officers saw black smoke coming from Lappin St.
Templeton is charged with arson of real property and arson preparation to burn more than $20,000 worth of property.
Bond was set at $30,000.
A preliminary examination in the case is scheduled for February 17.
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