ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Those who set multiple fires at Target in Uptown over the weekend face second degree felony charges, according to a spokesman for Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
This means the damage cost more than $20,000. The store remained closed on Tuesday.
Crime Stoppers announced Monday that it was looking for five people believed to have started the fires with “accelerant fluids.” It released photos of the suspects who were wearing face masks, hats and hooded coats.
AFR spokesman Tom Ruiz said firefighters were dispatched to the store on Louisiana and Indian School shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday for a tree that was on fire outside. He said they extinguished that and then were notified of two more blazes inside.
“They were able to put out two small fires one in the restroom and one in the clothing area,” Ruiz said. “Those fires themselves weren’t that large, they were able to put them out with a water can.”
A “water can” is a handheld device that looks like a fire extinguished but is filled with a couple of gallons of water. Ruiz said the sprinklers were also set off inside the store.
He said AFR investigators are working with the Albuquerque Police Department.
Eleven minutes before the Target at Uptown closed Saturday night, investigators say, a… & Elise Kaplan SUBSCRIBE NOW cancel anytime
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