Arson suspect arrested after fire at California Target caused $4 MILLION in damages: police

Law enforcement has arrested a suspect allegedly responsible for setting fire to a Target in Vallejo, California.

"This arsonist caused substantial damage to the structure and a new estimated loss exceeding $4 million in merchandise and repairs" to the store located on the 900 block of Admiral Callaghan Lane, authorities said.

Police did not release the identity of the suspect who was arrested and taken into custody over the weekend.


(Photo of the alleged suspect released by the Vallejo Police Department)

Around 3 pm on February 24, the suspect allegedly set a roll of paper towels on fire, which resulted in the aisle being engulfed in flames, ABC 7 reports.

The Vallejo Fire Department said that store employees conducted life-saving efforts when they had attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived on the scene.

"A quick and organized response by Target employees can be credited with preventing injuries to store patrons," said Vallejo Fire.

One person was treated for minor smoke inhalation by paramedics.

Target released a statement following the incident and said: "We are grateful that no one was injured. The store will be closed temporarily during repairs and restocking."

Damage to the structure and store merchandise is believed to be around $4 million. Toxic smoke from burned plastic placed a layer of smoke throughout the store.

The Solano County Health Department had to work to determine the amount of food that the store needed to throw out.

The Target location has since reopened after being closed for repairs.