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Charity bus used to help veterans torched in Detroit

Owner says pack of children vandalized bus before it was torched

DETROIT – An organization that helps people in desperate situations is asking for help after its prized possession was torched.

The Veterans Green Bus is based in Detroit and helps people in need across the country. But now, the bus is burned to a crisp and the person who runs the bus is also having a big issue with police.

The bus has thousands of miles on it and has been driven to help thousands of people in their times of need.

After the bus, known as "Large Marge," was torched, Detroit police arrested the owner.

Gordon Soderberg used the bus to help people before it was reduced to charred remains. He's a Navy veteran who helped transport other veterans in disaster zones, including during hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

On Friday night, Soderberg returned home to find the bus packed with children. They were destroying the bus. He confronted the mother of children who were kicking out the windows of the bus and she called police.

Detroit police arrested Soderberg on suspicion of assault. The mother said he was waving a gun around, but he doesn't own a gun. He was released hours later.

When Soderberg got home, his bus was torched, officials said. He said he wants to rebuild the bus and help the people who set it on fire.

You can watch Shawn Ley's full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors
Shawn Ley headshot

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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