Man accused of setting fire at Stanly County Walmart

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — Police have arrested and charged a man accused of setting a fire at a Walmart in Stanly County Friday night.

It happened around 10:30 p.m. at the Walmart on Leonard Avenue.

Officials said officers with the Albemarle Police Department were called to help firefighters with a structure fire at the Walmart.

During the investigation into the cause of the fire, officers found a “suspicious” man on video leaving the area where the fire started.

Authorities were able to find the suspect hiding behind a dumpster at a nearby Dollar Tree.

Police investigating string of arson fires in Gastonia Police investigating string of arson fires in Gastonia

Officers arrested and charged 33-year-old Alexander Lentz with first-degree arson, burning of personal property, intoxicated and disruptive, assault on a government official and resisting a public officer.

He was given a $150,000 secured bond and is expected to make his first court appearance on Dec. 28.

Cox Media Group