By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

ST. CLAIR SHORES — St. Clair Shores police and fire officials are investigating a possible arson fire that was set inside a home on Stephens the night of March 20.

According to Detective Jason Brown, the 43-year-old male resident of the two-story home contacted 911 at 9:15 p.m. that Thursday to report a fire that was intentionally set inside his home.

Brown said the man has accused his 18-year-old live-in girlfriend of igniting the blaze.

A police report states that on the night in question, the man drove his girlfriend home from his business in the west side of Detroit. At the house, the two had an argument and the man kicked the women out of the house.

“Supposedly, she struck him with a snow shovel,” Brown said. “He did sustain some defensive wounds on his arm.”

Brown said the man told police that he allowed the woman to go to the second level of the house to retrieve some of her personal belongings before leaving.

The two then reportedly left the home in separate vehicles.

While on the road, the female reportedly pulled up next to the man and told him through an open car window that she set the bathroom on fire, Brown said. She then reportedly drove away.

The detective said the man immediately dialed 911, drove home and discovered the blaze in his upstairs bathroom.

Fire officials arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze.

“The fire caused significant damage to the bathroom,” Brown said.

Fire Marshal John Hejza is investigating the cause of the fire. He has determined it to be arson.

Hejza said last week that just how the fire was started remains unclear. He did confirm that the blaze was confined to the bathroom and the interior of the house.

He anticipates speaking in detail about the incident with the woman and her attorney in the near future.

Brown, who has been in contact with the woman over the telephone, said last week that he has yet to learn how long the couple had been residing together.

The male involved in the incident was unable to provide clues as to how the fire may have been started.

“This whole incident is still under investigation,” Brown said.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire. No charges have been filed.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Snyder at jsnyder@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1039.