A Fort Worth man is in custody, accused of lighting a Molotov cocktail inside a Sears department store at Hulen Mall Friday morning.
Police said Craig Tezeno, 46, started a fire in the women's shoe department at about 10:30 a.m.
The fire was quickly extinguished.
Fort Worth Fire officials said Tezeno is suspected in last week's arson, also at Hulen Mall, where someone threw two lit Molotov cocktails into two department stores. According to police, Tezeno had seven open warrants at the time of his arrest that had nothing to do with the mall incidents. Those range from traffic violations to domestic violence. He could face federal and local charges.
"The Hulen Mall arson suspect was taken into custody by one of our Fort Worth police officers working at the mall," Fort Worth police tweeted. "Thanks to mall employees who recognized the suspect and advised our officer of the suspect's location.#nicejob #teamwork."
With the exception of Sears, the mall has reopened the public.
Hulen Mall officials released the following statement Friday afternoon:
The authorities have a suspect in custody and the situation has been resolved. We are grateful for the collaboration between our security, the Ft. Worth Fire Department and the Ft. Worth Police Department. Our primary focus today and every day is the safety and well-being our guests, tenants and employees. We are directing all inquiries to the Ft. Worth Police Department as this is their investigation. We will reopen the shopping center as soon as we are able.
