SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — A Sacramento County fire agency is looking for two suspects who allegedly set fire to a grocery store aisle Saturday in an effort to steal merchandise, authorities said.
Around 9 a.m., a man wearing all black, sunglasses and a Los Angeles Dodgers hat and a woman donning a blue sweater reportedly walked into the WinCo along the 2300 block of Watt Avenue. The pair, both estimated to be in their mid to late 30s, appeared to load a cart with groceries.
Around 10:15 a.m., the woman allegedly ignited a lighter, set fire to items on the shelf in the baking aisle and proceeded to the checkout area, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
The fire was contained quickly by an employee with a fire extinguisher, but a large majority of the product in that section will need to be replaced due to the smoke and extinguishing agent, firefighters said. Products damaged included boxed cake mix and flour, and the total damage was estimated between $2,000 and $3,000.
No actual theft occurred, however, the incident appeared to have been a distraction to steal, according to fire personnel. The woman allegedly left the cart at the front of the store and bought two packs of bagels with cash.
“The employee at the self check never left, so that could be why the theft didn't occur,” said Capt. Parker Wilbourn, a Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District spokesman.
Officials said any information about the two suspects or the incident can be directed to the district’s tip line at 916-859-4585.
If caught, Wilbourn said the pair could face arson and conspiracy charges.
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