Neighbors are being lauded for helping to cushion the falls of two girls who jumped from their fifth-floor apartment to escape a fire.
The eight-year-old, who jumped first, wasn't hurt. But, her 14-year-old sister suffered fractured ankles and a wrist.
"I think they did an amazing job and I think you're going to do just what comes natural," said Detroit Fire Commissioner Charles Simms told Fox 2. "Many times people who try to jump out windows that high – it's a different outcome."
Firefighters rescued the girls' mother via ladder.
"You know some people don't need the attention or the accolades, but we want to show them that not only are firefighters, EMTs and police officers are heroes, but even citizens out there in the neighborhood – they're heroes as well," Simms said.
Detroit Police took Marion Scruggs into custody within 24 hours.
He was observed on video dousing a door with a liquid before lighting a cigarette and using it to ignite the fire.,
