KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Michigan announced on Thursday, August 4, that the man suspected of intentionally setting fire to Planned Parenthood in Kalamazoo has been arrested and charged.
Investigators say 25-year-old Joshua Brereton breached the fence surrounding Planned Parenthood and started two separate fires outside of the building around 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 31.
Authorities say that prior to the fire, Brereton posted a video to his YouTube channel referring to abortion as “genocide,” and encouraging others to “step out of their comfort zone” and lend a hand in the fight.
According to the criminal complaint, Brereton bought citronella torch fuel, a starter log, and a utility lighter at the Walmart in Paw Paw about an hour before the fires started at Planned Parenthood.
Investigators say that he also purchased a baseball cap similar to the one the arson suspect was seen wearing on surveillance footage captured outside the clinic.
He faces up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory five year sentence if convicted.
Prior to Brereton’s arrest, a cash reward of up to $5,000 was offered as part of the arson investigation.
