Arsonist Sets Halloween Costumes at Wal-Mart Ablaze

An arsonist set fire to Halloween costumes in a San Leandro Wal-Mart this afternoon, according to police. A 40-year-old man who police believe is from Oakland entered the Wal-Mart located at 15555 Hesperian Blvd. shortly before 1:45 p.m. and was acting suspiciously, according to San Leandro police spokesman Lt. Robert McManus.

Wal-Mart security followed the man and observed him taking a two-quart bottle of lighter fluid, McManus said. According to McManus, the suspect sprayed the fluid on numerous items in the store before igniting an eight-foot blaze on a pile of costumes.

Wal-Mart employees were able to extinguish the fire, McManus said. The store has since been closed while San Leandro police and Alameda County firefighters investigate. According to McManus, there is still a strong odor from the fire at the store.

The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, has been arrested. The motive for the arson is not yet known.

By Bay City News

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