The Pagosa Springs Walmart store reopened its doors on Tuesday, after closing briefly as the result of apparent arson in the “boy’s clothing aisle.”
The Pagosa Springs Police Department and the Pagosa Fire Protection District responded to a report of a fire at Walmart on Monday evening, August 21. The fire was extinguished prior the arrival of either department, however, and no structural damage to the building was reported.
A police press release stated, “It was determined the setting of the fire was an intentional act and is being investigated as arson.”
The store reopened with much of the clothing department curtained off by ceiling-height plastic sheeting. It appeared that most of the clothing had been removed from the enclosed area.
A juvenile male was arrested on Tuesday. Due to the suspect’s age, the suspect’s personal identity was not disclosed.
According to the press release, the juvenile has been charged with first-degree arson and reckless endangerment.
“The male is the only suspect in the case and there are no public safety risks known,” the press release states. “The Pagosa Springs Police Department would like to thank the community for their assistance in this investigation…”