Man charged after setting clothes on fire inside Nashville Walmart, police say
He’s also accused of damaging merchandise with his crutches.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A man was arrested Wednesday after police say he set men’s clothing on fire inside of a Nashville Walmart.
Jeffrey Ownby, 62, is charged with aggravated arson and theft of merchandise.
Police were dispatched at about 9 a.m. to the Gallatin Pike Walmart, where Ownby was seen on surveillance camera entering the store on one of its electric scooters and later trying to steal merchandise, police said. An employee stopped him, which made Ownby upset, according to an arrest report.
Ownby left the store briefly before reportedly returning and damaging items with his crutches. He then walked to the men’s clothing section and began lighting items on fire, which caused damage to the store’s hardwood flooring, police said.
A loss prevention officer escorted Ownby out of the store until police arrived.
He remains jailed on a $52,500 bond.
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