Police: Target arson was diversion to steal merchandise

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware man has been charged with arson in a Target store fire that police say he started “as a diversion to steal a cart full of merchandise.”

Dover police say the 26-year-old man started the fire in the linen section of the store on July 10 and the store was quickly evacuated. No injuries were reported, but police say $3 million to $4 million in merchandise was damaged by smoke or fire. The News Journal reports that Target spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo said the store will remain closed for several weeks for repairs and restocking.

Police say the Dover man was arrested at home and charged with first-degree arson, 19 counts of first-degree reckless endangering and other offenses.

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