Man Sentenced to Probation for Huntington Place Fire

Deashawn Victor Harrison received two years of probation after pleading guilty to setting a fire inside the Detroit convention center.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Financial Crime

Man Sentenced to Probation for Huntington Place Fire

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Deashawn Victor Harrison was sentenced to two years of probation for setting a fire inside Huntington Place, which he pleaded guilty to in April. He was ordered to pay more than $6,000 in fees.

Why it matters

The case shows how surveillance footage and a tip from a passerby led to an arrest and conviction in a fire at a major Detroit venue. The third-degree arson charge was dropped as part of the plea.

Harrison pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of probation, with the third-degree arson charge dropped as part of the plea. He must pay more than $6,000 in fees, and the extraction does not indicate any further proceedings.

The players

Deashawn Victor Harrison

The man sentenced to probation for setting the Huntington Place fire, who entered a guilty plea to the charge.

Huntington Place

Detroit's major convention and event center, where the fire was set.

The details

Harrison was caught on camera entering Huntington Place just before 9 a.m. on April 28, doused the carpet with gasoline, and set it on fire before leaving. The fire was quickly extinguished, causing minimal damage, and he was arrested on May 8 after a tipster alerted authorities and surveillance images were shared publicly.

April 28: Harrison set the fire inside Huntington Place just before 9 a.m.
May 8: Harrison was arrested after surveillance images were shared.
April: Harrison pleaded guilty to starting the fire.

Legal Context

The case reflects how surveillance footage at public venues in Detroit can directly support identification and prosecution of property crimes. Plea agreements that drop higher-level charges, as in this case, are a common resolution path for arson matters.

Visitors and event organizers at Huntington Place may notice heightened attention to security and surveillance following the incident. The case underscores the importance of reporting suspicious activity at public venues.

The takeaway

Prompt reporting of suspicious behavior and reliable surveillance can make a measurable difference in identifying offenders at public venues. Property owners should review camera coverage in high-traffic areas.