Family escapes arson in Holland Twp

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A barking dog alerted a homeowner to a fire in the rear section of his Holland Township Tuesday night, and officials believe this home was intentionally targeted for the second time in two weeks.

When the fire began around 8:45 p.m. there were several other people in the home at 523 Butternut. Everyone made it out safely and no one was hurt.

Fire investigators believe someone set this fire and are still looking into the actual cause.

Another fire at this location happened Nov. 12.

At that time, a bottle of gasoline was thrown at the house, but did not ignite. However, the home did catch on fire Tuesday night.

The 33-year-old homeowner told the police after the first incident he had quarreled with the Latin Kings gang years ago, but doesn't know why he would be targeted now.

The dual incidents have neighbors concerned.

Jose De La Rosa, who lives next door, was home during the Nov. 12 incident, but did not see anything. On Tuesday night, he came home to see the flames and smoke and was worried about what was going on.

"I guess I'm afraid of the fire because you never know if there's an explosion and take another house," he told 24 Hour News 8. "I worry about that."