Video: Men Use Molotov Cocktails To Start Market Fire

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Dramatic new video shows men using what appear to be Molotov cocktails to intentionally set fire to a Lawrenceville supermarket.

Three fires have been intentionally set at La Jalisco Super Carniceria, on Buford Drive, since the beginning of May, Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services officials say.

Each has been more brazen, and damaging, than the one before.

The new video, released by the Gwinnett fire department, shows two of what authorities say were at least five men who kicked in a door and entered the market at about 12:30 a.m. on Monday.

They can be seen lighting homemade explosive devices and tossing them into the aisles of the grocery store, one of which immediately catches fire.

A second video shows what appear to be other men, some with bandannas on their faces, walking behind a service counter in the market. Then, multiple fiery explosions can be seen, as flames begin lapping at the counter.

Monday's fire at the market was the worst of the three arson attempts, which investigators say are related.

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.

Monday's fire caused moderate damage to items in the grocery and damaged ceiling tiles. The business also sustained smoke and water damage.

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.

(Image and video courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services)