Photos show people of interest in retail arson case
Fire investigators believe the recent fires at Target and Walmart stores were deliberately set up to allow suspects to sneak out the front door with the goods.
Atlanta – Fire investigators say three recent fires at retail stores are being treated as arson. Images of the two of interest were released on Tuesday.
Investigators with the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department say the fire was intentionally set to distract the suspect so he could leave the store without paying.
Monday night’s fire at Target on Lindbergh’s Piedmont Road was the latest of those fires. The fire caused two alarm responses.
fire at target
The crew said there was a 2 alarm fire at the Piedmont Road target.
The recent fires at Walmart stores at 835 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and 1801 Howell Mill Road are also believed to be similar in nature, although these fires were not targeted. It’s unclear if the fires are related.Walmart said the Vine City store will remain open, but the other two fire-hit stores will not reopen.
In all incidents, the fires caused millions of dollars in damage, but no serious injuries were reported.
Video shows fire inside Atlanta Walmart
A video shared with FOX 5 Atlanta shows a fire inside a Walmart off Howell Mill Road near Interstate 75 in northwestern Atlanta.
Fire investigators also say they don’t know if there are multiple suspects in all three cases or not.
A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. If you have any information, please call the Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.
Investigators are looking for these two key figures in connection with the arson attacks at Target and Walmart stores in Atlanta. (Credit: Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department) (attached)
The Georgia Department of Health Safety and Fire and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also participating in the investigation.
This story is broken. Check back again for more details.If you have additional information, photos or video emails newstipsatlanta@fox.com.
