Thelma and Theresa Davis are refusing to leave their fire-damaged home for fear their possessions will be stolen.
A family is convinced that they are the victims of an arsonist. However, they refuse to become a target for thieves, even if that means they have to sleep under the stars because after that fire, some of the outside is looking in.
Fire trucks and flames are some of the scariest sights and sounds to rise to, but that was the start of what proved to be a dreadful day for a family on Dickerson on Detroit's east side.
The blaze began at an abandoned brick house, then the fire forced its way to them.
"When I looked out the window, there were bursting flames everywhere burning up the side of the house," said Thelma Davis. "It was so bad I had to run the kids out without any clothes on and grab covers and whatever I [could] to take them out."
"I really do believe somebody set that house on fire," said Theresa Davis.
When the smoke cleared and the firefighting crews finished, the abandoned home was a disaster and at the Davis' home, Thelma said, "In [one] room I could just see the sky."
"You can't go in the room anymore because the squirrels and all that might come in," said Theresa. "[There is] a hole in the ceiling."
"The fire department in order to save you, they have to tear the house up," Thelma explained. "The whole left side of the house is burnt up. All my children's things got damaged, their beds."
The Red Crosss was waiting in the wings ready to rescue them from the wreckage, but they refused to remove themselves from the mess not because they don't want to, but they believe if they walk out, the crooks will walk in.
"They might break-in. If they'll start a fire and burn me out, what's next," said Thelma. "I believe that I have to stay here to protect what's left."
"We don't want them to take the little that we have left. That's like taking our dignity," Theresa said.
Three adults and four small children where inside that home when the fire started next door. The children are staying someplace safe, but the adults are staying put. They are going to pack up and bundle up as they try to figure out where else they will call home.
Friday, June 14 2013 11:32 PM EDT2013-06-15 03:32:46 GMT
Kevyn Orr's numbers show increased wait times in some DPD precincts, but Detroit's emergency manager is talking about pumping money into public safety and not continuing the path of stripping them down to the bone.
Kevyn Orr's numbers show increased wait times in some DPD precincts, but Detroit's emergency manager is talking about pumping money into public safety and not continuing the path of stripping them down to the bone.
Thursday, June 13 2013 11:43 PM EDT2013-06-14 03:43:47 GMT
Police try to make a traffic stop, but say two men in the vehicle made a run for it. The driver was caught, but his passenger remains on the loose. During a search, police say they recovered a gun and body armor.
Police try to make a traffic stop, but say two men in the vehicle made a run for it. The driver was caught, but his passenger remains on the loose. During a search, police say they recovered a gun and body armor.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-06-12 01:21:55 GMT
People who live in one Detroit neighborhood say they can't even go to church without being targeted by thieves. They say they feel like prisoners in their own homes because of the bad guys hanging out nearby.
People who live in one Detroit neighborhood say they can't even go to church without being targeted by thieves. They say they feel like prisoners in their own homes because of the bad guys hanging out nearby.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:27:07 GMT
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
Monday, June 17 2013 11:31 PM EDT2013-06-18 03:31:06 GMT
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
As Kevyn Orr tries to solve Detroit's financial crisis, he is also working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:43:12 GMT
He is a Detroit lawmaker serving his second term in the state House, but he may be spending a little too much time at his own house. M.L. Elrick puts state Rep. John Olumba's attendance record under the microscope.
He is a Detroit lawmaker serving his second term in the state House, but he may be spending a little too much time at his own house. M.L. Elrick puts state Rep. John Olumba's attendance record under the microscope.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:36 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:36:35 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:45:07 GMT
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:55:56 GMT
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:56 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:56:42 GMT
General Motors is recalling more than 193,652 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years because a circuit board in the driver's door could short and cause a fire.
General Motors is recalling more than 193,652 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years because a circuit board in the driver's door could short and cause a fire.
Thelma and Theresa Davis are refusing to leave their fire-damaged home for fear their possessions will be stolen.
