The Homewood Police Department has arrested three juveniles in connection with the arson that shut down the Homewood Walmart store on December 30. Two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old were identified within eight hours of the incident and taken into custody on December 31.
“It became apparent that the fire was intentionally set by several suspects, who left the scene before police arrival. Detectives and crime scene investigators began processing the scene as an arson investigation. Walmart reported over $5 million in damage due to the fire,” Sgt. Mark Trippe of the Homewood Police Department said in a statement.
First-degree petitions for arson and first-degree crminal mischief were obtained through Jefferson County Family Court for the two 15-year-old suspects. The 16-year-old suspect was charged as an adult, and no-bond warrants for first-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief were obtained through the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
The store partially reopened on January 2, according to a post on their social media page. The pharmacy reopened on January 6. The vision center remains closed.
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