Mich. beekeeper says someone destroyed 700,000 bees, worth $14,000

(CBS/AP) STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - A Detroit-area teacher who was a beekeeper on the side says someone sprayed his backyard colonies with pesticide, killing almost all 700,000 of his bees, destroying their honey - and his money.

Timothy Fitch told police Tuesday that the destruction took place sometime between Jan. 15 and March 8 outside his home in Sterling Heights. Police said he estimated the cost of the loss at more than $14,000, CBS Detroit reported.

Fitch, a Grosse Pointe middle school teacher, told The Macomb Daily he was disgusted when he found out what happened.

"The neighbors had no problem with them and grandkids, my kids, everybody played in the backyard and the bees didn't bother anyone," he said.

Fitch spent several years researching honeybees before keeping them as a hobby. He said he doesn't know whether he'll resume beekeeping.

The bee colonies typically survive year round, even during the freezing temperatures of a Michigan winter, Fitch said. According to CBS Detroit, he told police, that the seven wooden towers that housed the bee colonies are now worthless, since they're contaminated with a pesticide.

Sterling Heights Lt. Luke Riley said police are actively investigating, and they're seeking tips from the public in the case.

Anyone with information on the matter is asked to contact Sterling Heights police at 586-446-2801 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.