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Suspected Scrap Metal Thief Injured In Roof Collapse

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit fire officials say a man trying to strip scrap aluminum off a vacant house on the city's west side was injured Monday when the porch roof collapsed on him.

It happened at a house on the 2000-block of Pasadena Street, south of Linwood, shortly after 10 a.m.

A neighbor, Supreem Shabazz, told the Detroit News he went outside when he "heard a big old boom," and went outside to find what looked like 'The Wizard of Oz' where the house fell on top of the witch."

Shabazz was able to lift the roof off the man with the help of a few other neighbors, 911 was called, and a nearby ambulance arrived quickly.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was taken to Henry Ford Hospital where his condition was unknown, early Monday afternoon.

It was not immediately clear if the alleged scrapper would face charges. His name was not released.

Michigan now has tougher laws on the books meant to crack down on scrap metal theft. Supporters of the laws say communities all over the state have been literally ripped apart by illegal scrapping.

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