Ann Arbor police are investigating a suspected arson last week at a local bean grower, and the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee is offering a $5,000 reward for information related to the incident.
A statement released by Detective Lt. Robert Pfannes Tuesday said an intruder broke into TK Wholesale Inc., 3753 Varsity Drive, sometime between 8 p.m. Nov. 4 and 5 a.m. Nov. 5. Police determined a fire had been set at the business.
“Evidence at the scene indicates that this was a deliberate act of arson,” the statement read.
TK Wholesale Inc. is a grower of bean sprouts sold in local stores and restaurants. No one was injured in the fire.
Detective Bill Stanford said Tuesday most of the damage to the building was caused by smoke. However, the fire ruined all of TK Wholesale's product and "knocked out their entire operation," Stanford said.
The smoke damage would necessitate extensive cleaning, he said.
Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to all the Ann Arbor police anonymous tip line at 734-794-6939, Crime Stoppers at 1-800 SPEAK UP (773-2587) or the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee tip line at 1-800-44 ARSON (2-7766)
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.