Detroit police arrest man who set fire to car over work dispute, sending two coworkers to hospital

DETROIT (WWJ) — A man is in police custody after a disturbing incident on Detroit’s east side early Monday morning that authorities say stemmed from a work dispute.

The man is accused of setting fire to a car two female coworkers were sitting in, leaving them hospitalized in serious condition.

The incident happened around 6 a.m. on Sept. 9 on Grand Boulevard near Gratiot, Police Chief James White told reporters Monday afternoon. White said the suspect had recently been suspended or fired from the business. Police are still investigating to determine which it was.

The suspect, whose name and age have not been released, went to the business and came across two other employees who White said the man “perceives as part of the reason” he was suspended or fired.

The suspect poured an accelerant on or around the car and set it on fire. The women were taken to the hospital and White said they were listed in serious condition Monday afternoon.

As the suspect fled the scene, White said either a witness or another employee chased him down and held him until police arrived and took him into custody.

No other details surrounding the incident have been released.