Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged former Detroit Firefighter Eric Dwayne Anderson, 52, in connection with a series of arsons and robberies that occurred at multiple residences within the City of Detroit between July 10, 2026, and August 4, 2026. No one was injured as a result of these crimes. Defendant Anderson resigned from the Detroit Fire Department on June 8, 2023.

July 10, 2026 – Residence in the 8500 block of Bryden Street

 Between 6:20 a.m. and 6:50 a.m., it is alleged that Defendant Anderson forced entry into a residence in the 8500 block of Bryden Street and stole a refrigerator, stove, and two pitbull puppies. At approximately 7:13 a.m., it is further alleged that he returned to the residence, set the home on fire, and fled the scene.

Defendant Anderson has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Home Invasion and one count of Second-Degree Arson. *

July 15, 2026 – Residence in the 8500 block of Central Street and Residence in the 8300 block of Bryden Street

At approximately 6:32 a.m., it is alleged that Defendant Anderson set fire to a garage in the 8500 block of Central Street and fled the scene. At approximately 6:37 a.m., it is further alleged that he set fire to a commercial dumpster located in front of a residence in the 8300 block of Bryden Street before fleeing once again.

Defendant Anderson has been charged with one count of Third-Degree Arson and one count of Fifth Degree Arson. *

 July 29, 2026 – Residence in the 8530 block of Bryden Street and Detroit Fire Department Firehouse in the 6300 block of West Chicago

 At approximately 4:57 a.m., it is alleged that Defendant Anderson set a residence on fire in the 8500 block of Bryden Street and fled. Members of the Detroit Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. While firefighters were at the scene, it is further alleged that Defendant Anderson entered the firehouse in the 6300 block of West Chicago and stole multiple personal items belonging to the firefighters.

Defendant Anderson has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Arson, one count of Breaking and Entering a Building with Intent, four counts of Larceny in a Building, and four counts of Financial Transaction Device – Stealing/Retaining without Consent. *

August 4, 2026 – Residence in the 8500 block of Roselawn

At approximately 6:18 a.m., it is alleged that Defendant Anderson went to a residence in the 8500 block of Roselawn, set it on fire, and fled the scene. An investigation by the Detroit Police Department led to his arrest on August 7, 2026.

Defendant Anderson has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Arson. *

 Statement of Detroit Fire Commissioner Charles Simms

“I want to thank the Detroit Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Division for their tireless work on this case. For weeks, our investigators have worked diligently to identify the person responsible for a string of arson fires on Detroit’s West Side, carefully following the evidence and pursuing every lead. I also want to thank Kym Worthy and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for their partnership in bringing this case forward.

“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing, particularly because they involve a former member of the Detroit Fire Department and an alleged theft from a firehouse while our firefighters were out answering a call for help.

“Anyone who deliberately sets fires, steals from a firehouse, or otherwise jeopardizes the safety of Detroiters will be held accountable, regardless of who they are or whether they have ever worn a Detroit Fire Department uniform, “said Commissioner Simms.

Statement of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy

“We have all heard stories about of firefighter firebugs. Luckily, this is a small number of firefighters, but these stories are indeed hard to wrap our brains around. Unfortunately, it happens and it shocks the conscience. The alleged criminal actions of this former firefighter are horrifying. We will do everything in our power under the law to hold him fully accountable,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy. 

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.