String of Arsons at Hispanic Grocery Being Investigated

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Investigators are searching for suspects after a string of increasingly brazen arson attempts at a Hispanic grocery store in Lawrenceville.

Three fires have been intentionally set at La Jalisco Super Carniceria, on Buford Drive, since the beginning of May, Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge said.

"All three fires are connected and all are under active investigation as an act of arson," Rutledge said.

Each fire has been more intense than the one before, Rutledge said.

The first fire was discovered on May 2, fire officials say. At about 8 a.m., an employee arrived to find a gasoline-soaked mop leaned up against a back door and burning, Rutledge said. The mop burned out and only damaged the outside of the door.

At about the same time on May 16, a passerby saw smoke coming from the back of the building. Firefighters arrived to find a fire in an attached refrigeration unit. The unit was damaged, but only sent smoke into the building.

Then, on Monday, a passerby reported seeing flames and smoke coming from the store at about 12:30 a.m.

Firefighters went in to fight the fire, which caused moderate damage to items in the grocery and damaged ceiling tiles. The business also sustained smoke and water damage.

Fire officials are withholding details about how they believe that fire was set, but did say that someone kicked in a back door of the grocery and intentionally started the blaze.

"The third fire is the most severe damage and most daring-bold act," Rutledge said.

There is a reward offered by Georgia Arson Control Inc. for up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for arson in this case.

(Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services)