Investigators believe Kroger fire was intentionally set

Update 6:20 p.m. The state fire marshal's office released pictures of the suspect and info on a reward, read the latest update here. Update 12:20 p.m. It's not yet known how long the store will be closed for, according to Kroger spokesperson Amy McCormick. The Kroger Pharmacy will remain open by drive-thru only, McCormick said, adding that there was no damage to the pharmacy area. People can also continue to get vaccinations via the pharmacy drive thru — individuals should bring their paperwork to the drive thru, they will be directed to a parking spot and a nurse will come to their vehicle to administer the shot. McCormick said employees will continue to work in the store through the closure process. The Kroger Fuel Center will also remain open, McCormick said. Original post PERKINS TWP. — Authorities are investigating Thursday evening's fire at Kroger Marketplace on Perkins Avenue as a suspected arson. Perkins and Sandusky firefighters rushed to the grocery store just after 9:30 p.m., following multiple 911 reports about a fire in the store, according to Perkins Fire Chief Dave Murphy. About 20 to 30 people were inside the store when the fire started in a paper products aisle. Perkins police assisted in getting people out of the store as firefighters arrived to combat the blaze, Perkins police Chief Vince Donald said. No injuries were reported. Firefighters put out the fire within 15 minutes, but heavy smoke spread throughout the store, Murphy said. The fire department gave a rough estimate of monetary damage from the fire, including loss of product, of about $1 million. The department believes the fire was set intentionally. "I feel comfortable saying it was an intentionally set fire and we do have a suspect," Murphy said. "We have photos and video, that video is being reviewed by the state fire marshal." The state fire marshal's office should be releasing information on the suspect later today, he said. The township's police and fire departments are both assisting the fire marshal's office with their investigation. No charges have yet been filed by the police department, Donald said. It's not yet known how long the store will be closed for. A representative from Kroger's Columbus office did not immediately return a phone call Friday morning. Murphy praised the work of the firefighters involved in extinguishing the blaze and offered warning to other area business owners. "We would like to caution local business owners to be aware of what transpired. (The suspect) is still at large they should be aware for any suspicious activity," Murphy said. People with information on the incident can report that by calling the state fire marshal's arson hotline at 1-800-589-2728 or by calling Perkins police at 419-627-0824 extension 1.