Atlanta, GA
ATF now investigating arsons at Target, Walmart stores
ATF joins retail retailer arson circumstances
In only a matter of weeks, three retail shops in Atlanta went up in flames. Hearth investigators imagine someone deliberately set them, to distract from one other crime. Federal brokers at the moment are concerned within the investigation.
ATLANTA – In only a matter of weeks, three retail shops in Atlanta went up in flames. Hearth investigators say they’re now treating all three as arson circumstances.
“The preliminary look is they seem like protecting up some kind of theft or shoplifting,” mentioned William Perdue, an ATF Senior Particular Agent Licensed Hearth Investigator.
The primary fireplace occurred final month at a Walmart on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd. Days later one other Walmart, this time on Howell Mill Highway burned. Then this week, there was a hearth within the Goal on Piedmont Highway in Buckhead.
Video reveals fireplace inside Atlanta Walmart
Video shared with FOX 5 Atlanta reveals a hearth contained in the Walmart off Howell Mill Highway close to Interstate 75 in northwest Atlanta.
Atlanta Hearth says it’s investigating all three as circumstances of arson.
Perdue is an ATF Hearth investigator. He’s working with native and state officers to get solutions.
Hearth at Goal
Crews say a 2-alarm fireplace broke out on the Goal on Piedmont Highway.
“There have been loads of clients and a number of staff in all three areas, all of them occurred throughout enterprise hours,” he mentioned. “In order that’s a fairly egregious offense, and it’s a hazard to our neighborhood that ATF takes very severely.”
Investigators are searching for these two individuals of curiosity in connection to circumstances of arson at Goal and Walmart shops throughout Atlanta. (Credit score: Atlanta Hearth Rescue Division) (Provided)
Atlanta Hearth launched footage of two individuals of curiosity in reference to the arsons.
“The data that we may get from someone that acknowledges these people or particular person could assist us perceive higher whether or not they’re remoted incidents which have occurred in shut proximity or whether or not they’re linked,” Perdue mentioned.
Investigators say the fires prompted thousands and thousands of {dollars} in injury.
Walmart has already introduced one of many affected shops is not going to reopen whereas the opposite shall be become a small-format grocery retailer.
“We take this very severely, and we’re going to be sure that when a suspect or suspects are recognized and that particular person or individuals are going to be held accountable for this,” Perdue mentioned.
If you already know something you’re requested to name the Arson Management Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. You could possibly be eligible for a reward of as much as $10,000 if it results in an arrest or conviction.