COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia Police Skip Holbrook and Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins are releasing surveillance pictures of three persons of interest in connection with an overnight fire at a Harbison area shopping center that caused $3 million in damage.
Investigators would like to identify and locate the two men and a woman and question them about the incident at 360 Harbison Boulevard.
Chief Aubrey Jenkins says they received a call around 3:30 am.
When crews arrived, they saw smoke coming out of the front door. Investigators say the fire was in one of the aisles in the grocery section of the store.
"The good thing is that the sprinkler system actually held it in check until we could in and extinguish it," Chief Jenkins said.
He estimates around 25 employees and a few customers were inside at the time, but thankfully everyone was able to get out safely.
He says no injuries were reported.
"Right now, we're looking at significant damages on the inside. Most of your damage is going to be from the smoke, we have some fire damage as well" Chief Jenkins said.
The Columbia Fire Department says Batesburg-Leesville was called in due to the amount of smoke in the building.
Chief Jenkins says their department has a large smoke ejector that assisted them in clearing smoke from the store.
Chief Jenkins says the Harbison Walmart will likely be closed for the next few days due to smoke, fire and water damage. He says employees are going through products and food to see what needs to be discarded due to the smoke and fire damage.
The persons of interest were observed getting out of an older model, green SUV, possibly a Chevy Tahoe or Suburban.
Investigators continue to review surveillance video related to the incident.
Citizens with information regarding the arson or persons of interest are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers in any of the following ways:
- Call toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
- Log onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red "Submit a tip” tab.