Police in Youngstown are investigating after a man allegedly tried to start a fire inside a Dollar General store earlier this week.
According to a police complaint, the incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, inside the Dollar General on Belmont Avenue.
Store management notified authorities after watching security footage that allegedly shows a white gentleman wearing a red Ohio State hoodie and gray shorts traveling from the clothes aisle to the confectionery and cleaning supply aisle. According to police, the guy then took a bag of garments from his hoodie pocket.
According to investigators, the footage shows the man using what seems to be a lighter to fire the pack of clothes. As the flames spread, the suspect allegedly placed the burning garments inside a box of brooms, perhaps in an attempt to ignite a larger fire. According to police, the attempt failed.
The suspect left the store with a man who was buying things at the time, authorities say. According to reports, the two individuals drove away in a blue 2022 Jeep Compass.
There were no injuries recorded, and no suspects have been identified as of this time. Police stated the event is still under investigation.