Man Torches Halloween Costumes in Calif. Walmart
Source Contra Costa Times
SAN LEANDRO -- Police arrested a man on suspicion of squirting lighter fluid on Halloween costumes and setting them ablaze Tuesday afternoon at a Walmart, officials said.
Fire crews responded to several 911 calls around 1:38 p.m. reporting a fire inside of a Walmart located at 15555 Hesperian Blvd., according to a news release from San Leandro police. Upon arrival, police arrested a 40-year-old Oakland man, who was detained by store staff, on suspicion of arson.
Around 10 a.m., Walmart loss prevention officers spotted a suspicious man inside the store pushing a shopping cart with a leaking 2 quart bottle of lighter fluid. The same man was seen again about 1:40 p.m. squirting lighter fluid on Halloween costumes displayed near the center of the store.
Soon after, the store was filled with smoke. Walmart employees attempted to extinguish the blaze themselves as other store associates detained the suspect.
Alameda County fire crews arrived at the smoke-filled store shortly after the costumes caught fire, said fire spokeswoman Aisha Knowles. One person was transported to the hospital for nonlife-threatening injuries sustained from smoke inhalation.
The suspect was taken into custody and later brought to a hospital, where he was also treated for possible smoke inhalation, police said. The unidentified Oakland man was arrested on suspicion of arson and will be interviewed by investigators.
"We are still reviewing surveillance video from the store, interviewing witnesses and evaluating evidence, hoping to piece this incident together," said San Leandro police Lt. Robert McManus. "Although, we don't know how many customers and employees were in the store when the fire started, we do know that it was a very dangerous situation that placed others in danger."
Alameda County Health Department officials inspected the interior of Walmart Tuesday afternoon, as the store sells grocery items. Clean up crews were on site preparing the store to reopen.
Police encourage anyone who has information on the incident to call 510-577-2740. Information can be given anonymously by calling 510-577-3278 or texting "TipSLPolice" to 888-777.
Contact Katrina Cameron at 925-945-4782. Follow her at Twitter.com/KatCameron91.
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