By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – Police officers responding to a report of a possible break-in at the vacant Sears complex at 1 a.m. Dec. 16 detected the odor of natural gas instead, and notified DTE.
A security guard said a door on the west side of the building, which was last known to be secure at 8 p.m. Dec. 15, was ajar, and was found to have pry marks. Police officers were unable to lift any latent fingerprints from the door frame.
Five police officers then announced their presence and initiated a search of the building. No trespassers were found inside, but the odor of natural gas was present, which was confirmed by fire department officials, who then notified DTE about the potential natural gas leak. A property restoration company was then contacted to secure the damaged door.