MUSKEGON, Mich. — A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the arson at the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore.
During the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 12, someone intentionally set fires inside the facility, authorities said. Officials say they have received several tips on the possible suspects and continue to investigate, but for now, they are looking at up to $5 million in damages.
"It's incredibly important for us to find out exactly what happened, who did it, and really why," said Monica Turnbull, ceo of the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore. "We've been trying to rack our brains to understand why someone might do something like this. And it's incredibly devastating and heartbreaking. And I think it would give us some closure and feel like we have some peace in this."
The reward is a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, the ATF, Michigan State Police and Muskegon County Silent Observer.
"We're grieving a loss, this was our clubhouse, this was going to be our building for the community and our youth," said Turnbull. "And so it's so devastating for us."
The investigation into the fire is still ongoing.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Lakeshore launched a multi-million dollar project to update the property with a climbing wall, a STEM lab, an artist studio, a teen lounge, game rooms, a cafeteria and more.
Work on the clubhouse had been scheduled to be completed by fall 2023, and was set to hold an open house on Thursday, Aug. 24.
However, due to the damage, they're pushing back their reopening celebrations.
A new date has yet to be determined as officials wait to hear more details about the restoration effort.
13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke to Muskegon County prosecutor DJ Hilson, who is also president of the board for the Boys and Girls Club. He says he hopes for a speedy resolution.
"Unfortunately, this incident has delayed our ability as an organization to open this up to the kids and to the community," said Hilson.
But this inconvenience isn't going to stop the team from reaching their goals.
“You know, certainly if the person's attempt was to try and stop Boys and Girls Club from serving the youth of this community, that is not going to happen," said Hilson. “We'll be working with our contractors and our insurance company to make sure that any damage is taken care of. In that construction will proceed.”
If you have any information about this arson, you're encouraged to contact the Muskegon Police Department at 231-724-6750 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463.
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