A teen charged in Walmart fire; store remains closed
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Updated: 5:19 p.m.
Prosecutors in McLeod County charged a 13-year-old boy with arson in juvenile court on Monday in connection with a fire at a central Minnesota Walmart store.
The fire started around 3 p.m. Sunday in the menswear section of the Walmart Supercenter in Hutchinson, Minn.
Police Chief Tom Gifferson said witnesses reported that flames had reached the ceiling before some of the store's fire sprinklers kicked on.
"When officers arrived, there was still a small fire burning, which was extinguished with fire extinguishers," Gifferson said.
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The store was evacuated and there were no reports of injuries. It remained closed Monday, according to Walmart spokesperson Casey Staheli.
"We're grateful no customers or associates were hurt," said Staheli. “We appreciate the quick response of local firefighters and law enforcement and are assisting them as they investigate.”
Gifferson said the fire was set deliberately. An officer who works with youth in the community recognized the two 13-year-old suspects from surveillance video.
Police arrested both of them. But prosecutors say they only have enough evidence to charge one.
The Hutchinson store will remain closed until further notice, according to Walmart.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
