Authorities are on the lookout for two individuals linked to a suspected arson at the WinCo Foods store on Watt Avenue in Sacramento. The suspects, a man and a woman, are believed to have initiated a fire in the store's baking aisle this past Saturday, as reported by KCRA. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District indicated that the man wore a black "LA" hat and sunglasses, while the woman donned a blue sweater.
Upon entering the grocery store, the duo seemed to casually load a shopping cart with groceries before executing an audacious act. The woman is alleged to have deliberately set fire to merchandise on the shelves. Despite the rapid containment of the blaze by an employee with a fire extinguisher, Sacramento Metro Fire confirmed that the majority of products in that section, including boxed cake mix and flour, were compromised and would need replacement, with damages estimated between $2,000 and $3,000.
The incident appeared to be an unsuccessful diversion intended for theft. As detailed by ABC10, the woman left the loaded cart at the store's entrance and only proceeded to purchase two packs of bagels with cash. Captain Parker Wilbourn, a spokesperson from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, noted that the woman's attempt to steal was possibly thwarted as "The employee at the self check never left, so that could be why the theft didn't occur."
The Metro Fire has since released still-shot images of the suspects and is actively soliciting assistance from the public to help identify them. The photos display the woman in a blue hoodie and the man in all black with an LA hat and sunglasses. Anyone with information about the individuals or the incident has been asked to reach out to the Metro Fire arson tip-line, according to information obtained by FOX40.
If apprehended, the suspects could to face significant charges. "If caught, Wilbourn said the pair could face arson and conspiracy charges," as stated by ABC10. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District urges those who might have any relevant information to contact their tip line at 916-859-4585.
