Suspect charged in arson of Detroit commercial building fire

DETROIT (WXYZ) - UPDATE: Melvin Lee Templeton, Jr.,  38, of Richmond, Virginia has been charged in connection with a large arson fire at a commercial building in Detroit during the early morning hours of Feb. 2, 2012. 

Templeton is charged with arson of real property and arson/preparation to burn over $20,000. Each charge is a 10 year offense. Templeton is expected to be arraigned in 36th District Court on Feb. 5th.

Arson units from both the Detroit Police and Detroit Fire Departments were called to the scene to investigate the suspicious fire. The blaze started around 2:15 a.m. in the area of Lappin and Gruebner on the city's east side.

The fire burned for hours. There were no reports of injuries.

Police spotted Templeton and another man near the fire shortly after it began. One of them was carrying a large trash bag. As the officers approached, he dropped it and took off.

Officers found gas containers and clothes that smelled like gas inside it.

Templeton was arrested. The other man got away.