Mark Hicks

The Detroit News

Detroit police need the public’s help to track down a person they have tied to an arson that burned a west-side apartment building last summer.

City firefighters were called to the structure in the 800 block of Merton about 10 a.m. July 16, police said in a statement Monday.

The blaze later was determined to be arson, according to the release.

“Though many of the 30 units were empty, it is believed that the suspect had knowledge that there were in fact people inside the structure,” investigators said. “In addition, the suspect is wanted on several warrants out of multiple jurisdictions.”

The suspect has been identified as William James Carter, 36, a transgender woman who goes by “Savannah,” police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detroit police 12th Precinct Detectives at (313) 596-1240 or (313) 596-2940. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the DPD Connect app or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.