13-year-old accused of starting fire inside Douglas County Walmart

LITHIA SPRINGS, Ga. — Customers are seeking answers after a local Walmart was evacuated Sunday afternoon because of a fire started by a teen.

Police told Channel 2 Action News a 13-year-old boy was taken into custody, accused of starting a fire inside a Lithia Springs Walmart located on Thornton Road. Officers said the teenager was with his mother in the store and somehow ended up with a lighter and cotton balls.

Workers were forced to tape off the cosmetics area where the fire was set.

The store was shut down for hours because of the smoke and chemicals from the fire extinguishers used to douse the fire.

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Customer Janice Scott told Channel 2 Action News she arrived to the store Sunday afternoon and saw quite the commotion.

"I saw a lot of smoke and police and fire trucks and everything was just lined up," said Scott.

Someone told Scott she wouldn't be able to do her shopping at that time.

"She said it was closed because it was too much smoke," said Scott.

Scott was shocked to hear police say a 13-year-old boy started the fire.

The teenager stayed at the store and confessed. Customers said the incident could have ended much worse.

"There is something happening and missing at home to allow him to do that. You don't just go in the store and light a fire," said Scott.

Channel 2's Tom Jones reached out to Walmart for a comment but hasn't heard back. The teenager faces shoplifting charges.

Cox Media Group