A transient, Marcus Manygoats, has been arrested for starting a fire in the Garden Center of a Mesa Walmart, causing more than $6,000,000 in damage.
According to the Mesa Police Department, at approximately 12:40 p.m., officers and Mesa Firefighters responded a fire at the Walmart located at 857 N. Dobson. Mesa Firefighters saw the smoke as they arrived and upgraded the fire to a 1st Alarm, which meant that at least 40 firefighters from Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix Fire Departments would be responding to help fight the fire.
When firefighters entered the building, they described the smoke as being so heavy that it encompassed their feet and so thick that the firefighters had little to no visibility as they walked inside. The smoke also activated the sprinkler system, which helped contain the fire that had now ignited several pallets of merchandise.
After the fire was extinguished, officers reviewed a surveillance video and watched Manygoats as he selected items throughout the store. He then went to the Garden Center, where he gathered cushions and padding in a pile on the floor. Manygoats sprayed lighter fluid on the items and surrounding merchandise before setting it on fire and running away with a Walmart blanket and jacket; amongst other items.
Manygoats was wearing a long-sleeved cream-colored shirt and dark pants that were both very dirty. Based on Manygoats’ appearance, officers thought he might be transient and began searching the surrounding area.
The Mesa Police Department’s Central Bike Unit began canvassing the canals close to Walmart. About 1000 yards from the Walmart, they found Manygoats. Manygoats was wearing the same clothing he had on while at Walmart and was in possession of the stolen blanket and jacket.
Walmart managers told Officers that the amount of smoke and water that went through the store caused damage to their products, structure, and electrical systems. The type of damage forced Walmart to close and will add to the total loss accrued from the criminal actions of Marcus Manygoats. Walmart estimates the total damage between $6,000,000- $10,000,000.
Marcus was arrested for the following charges and held on a $200,000 bond.
1ct Arson of an Occupied Structure- ARS 13-1704A, a class 2 felony
1ct Criminal Damage, ARS 13-1602A1 (over $10,000) a class 4 felony
1ct Endangerment, ARS 13-1201A, a class 6 felony.