Kalamazoo, Mich. – A 43-year-old man was arrested late Sunday night after allegedly setting fire to a cart and blankets belonging to a homeless individual in Kalamazoo. The incident, which occurred near the Kalamazoo Public Library, prompted a swift response from local authorities.
Around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to a fire reported in the area of S Rose Street near W South Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the fire had been deliberately set to a cart and blankets that were being used by a homeless person as shelter under the library’s overhang.
According to Fire Marshal Scott Brooks, the victim was able to extinguish the flames without sustaining injury. However, the cart, which was described as a dog crate tied to a wheelchair filled with various belongings and covered by blankets and a tarp, was completely consumed by the fire. The blaze also caused external damage to the library’s exterior.
“The fire grew rapidly due to the contents in the cart,” Brooks explained. “As it progressed, it reached the ground where the person was sleeping, igniting their belongings as well.”
In body camera footage released by KDPS, officers can be seen attempting to douse the flames with fire extinguishers as smoke billows from under the awning. Fortunately, the victim was unharmed in the incident, though the fire could have escalated further if not for the swift intervention of first responders.
Further investigation revealed another fire, which was discovered a block away on South Street, near the Kalamazoo Mall. Utilizing the city’s Fusus camera network, officers were able to quickly track down the suspect, later identified as Scott Daniel Hassler, who was apprehended shortly after the second fire was reported.
Hassler, who has a history of trespassing on vacant properties, was arrested and arraigned Monday afternoon on multiple felony charges, including assault with intent to do great bodily harm, third-degree arson, and possession of methamphetamine or ecstasy. His bond was set at $100,000, and his next court hearing is scheduled for later this month.
While it is unclear whether the suspect and the victim knew each other, KDPS noted that they may have had some prior interaction. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the fire is being treated as an act of arson.
Chief David Boysen commended the officers for their quick response and the successful prevention of further harm. “Our officers responded quickly and prevented what could have been a devastating situation,” Boysen said in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful that the victim was not injured and that no one else was harmed. This was a dangerous act, and I commend our officers for their rapid response and ability to take the suspect into custody before further damage occurred.”
The KDPS Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident. In the meantime, officers are receiving additional training on how to prevent similar situations from escalating in the future.
