Jeffery Lee Mayfield, a 29-year-old from Amado was arrested for a fire that broke out inside the Sahuarita Walmart on September 7.
According to the Sahuarita Police Department (SPD), Mayfield was charged with arson of an occupied structure and endangerment.
Sahuarita police say the fire was intentionally set about 7:15 p.m. in a paper products aisle in the Walmart located at 18680 S. Nogales Hwy.
The store was open and occupied by employees and shoppers. When first responders arrived on the scene, the building was filled with smoke. Fire crews, officers, and store employees worked to evacuate the store.
The Green Valley Fire Department (GVFD) located the fire’s starting point in a paper products aisle and brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes.
GVFD responded with two engines, a ladder truck, and several medic units. A total of 24 GVFD personnel were on the scene for approximately 2.5 hours assisting with the operation.
Two people were evaluated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported.
Mayfield was booked at the Pima County Jail with a request for $500,000 bail.
Damage and product loss at the Sahuarita Walmart is not known at this time. Town officials are in communication with store and regional leadership to discuss employee support, damages, and business operations.