Shoplifters use fire as diversion at Target in Broward

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – An arsonist set a fire as a diversion for a group of shoplifters on Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, police said.

According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the fire happened just before 9:15 p.m. inside the Target at 3200 N. Federal Hwy.

An employee grabbed an extinguisher and the smoke set off the sprinklers. No one was injured, but there was some property damage.

Fort Lauderdale Police Department officers said some clothing had been set on fire, but the flames were quickly extinguished by employees.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with further information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Emily Hales contributed to this report.


About the Author:

Joseph Ojo joined Local 10 in April 2021. Born and raised in New York City, he previously worked in Buffalo, North Dakota, Fort Myers and Baltimore.