Overview
- A fire destroyed the special-needs play structure at Nowlin Elementary in Dearborn late Thursday night, firefighters put out the blaze with no injuries and the damage was confined to the equipment.
- Doorbell camera footage shared with local media shows two pre-teen boys at the playground gathering material under a slide and leaving on an electric bike shortly before flames appeared.
- Dearborn police have identified and contacted two juvenile suspects and said the parents are cooperating while the active investigation will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review and possible charges.
- Dearborn Public Schools said it will work with its insurer and equipment vendors to replace the play structure, a loss that directly affects students who rely on adapted playground equipment.
- Authorities warn the fire came close to nearby trees, power lines and the school and are asking anyone with information to call the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-224.