A woman is facing arson charges after she allegedly set cribs on fire inside a suburban Walmart, sparking millions of dollars in damages on New Year’s Eve, according to a criminal complaint.
Woodstock fire officials said the fire began Wednesday evening inside the Walmart store at 1275 Lake Avenue.
“The store was quickly evacuated, and the fire was extinguished by the building’s automatic sprinkler system,” the department said.
Crews worked for hours to help with smoke removal, but the store was ultimately closed “due to residual smoke throughout the store.”
The store remained closed on New Year’s Day, though it said it would still dispense pharmacy prescriptions through its drive-thru.
No injuries were reported and police said the fire remained under investigation.
Adilyn Monette, 21, was arrested around 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day and charged with arson and criminal damage to property in connection with the fire, according to the McHenry County Sheriff’s office.
A criminal complaint alleges Monette drove to the Walmart, went inside and “intentionally covered numerous baby cribs in camping fuel before lighting them on fire with matches.”
The fire is estimated to have caused damage in excess of $5 million, the complaint states, citing store managers.
Monette is expected to appear in court Friday.
About the Author
Discover more from USA NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
