Cooking oil believed to be intentionally dumped in Metro Detroit roads, police say
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Police are investigating after an oily substance was dumped on West Bloomfield roads in a "likely intentional" act.
Deputy Police Chief Dale Young said at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday, May 6, the police department received a report from someone who saw a box truck driving around and dumping an oily substance.
The roads impacted by the spill include the following:
- Square Lake Road, west of Middlebelt Road
- Middlebelt Road, north of Square Lake Road
- Midpine Road
- Pine Ridge Road
- Chata Road
- Figa Avenue
In an update, the Road Commission of Oakland County said it is working closely with West Bloomfield authorities to address the spill, which is believed to be cooking oil. Crews are "using a compound to absorb oil" from the roads.
Fabric-like bags were also put near culverts to absorb the oil runoff, and keep it from impacting streams and lakes.
Police believe this was an intentional act but say further investigation is necessary to determine what the substance is and whether the spill was deliberate. In addition, the incident is being treated as a criminal investigation.
The oil does not have an odor, and HAZMAT determined that it is not a harmful substance, according to police.
In an update, the Road Commission of Oakland County said it is working closely with West Bloomfield authorities to address the spill, which is believed to be cooking oil. Crews are on-site "using a compound to absorb oil" from the roads.
The incident is being treated as a criminal investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact West Bloomfield police at 248-975-9200.
