Man sets fire to Phoenix grocery store while accomplice steals groceries, police say

PHOENIX (AZFamille) — A man was arrested this week for allegedly starting a fire at a Phoenix grocery store to distract an accomplice who might steal merchandise in April. Terrance David Tyler, 25, faces charges including arson.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on April 9, firefighters were called to a Fry's grocery store near 7th Avenue and Camelback Road for reports of a fire inside the building. After the fire was extinguished, police reviewed surveillance video showing two men entering the grocery store and filling their cart with items.

According to court documents, while one of the suspects, later identified as Andrew Valdez, was scanning items at a self-checkout, surveillance showed Tyler walking toward an aisle with lighters. From there, the video would show Tyler then heading to the paper towel aisle and starting a fire.

As fire alarms went off and staff evacuated about 30 customers, Valdez allegedly left with a cart full of unpaid items.

Crews extinguished the fire before it spread to other areas, and no one was injured. However, the store reported extensive fire, smoke and water damage.

Police located Tyler and took him into custody Monday. Documents say he admitted to being with Valdez and starting the fire to distract the robbery.

He was indicted on two counts of arson of an occupied structure and shoplifting. Tyler's bail was set at $75,000.

It is unclear if Valdez has been arrested.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a news report? Send it's ours here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.