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Suspect charged with K’zoo adult store arson

Posted at 4:07 PM, Feb 20, 2015
and last updated 2015-02-20 22:02:48-05

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The man who police say burned down a Kalamazoo adult entertainment store to destroy pornography was arraigned Friday.

Mitchell Hapner, 41, was charged with arson and fleeing and eluding in connection with the Feb. 18 incident.

Investigators say witnesses spotted Hapner near the Hollywood Nights store on S. Westnedge at the time of the fire, and he fled when police attempted to confront him.  He was taken into custody after a brief chase.

According to Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley, Hapner told police he wanted to "eradicate porn" when he started the fire.