Some people just want to watch the world burn, or, in one unhinged Illinois woman’s case, want to see baby cribs burn. Police reports that one 21-year-old customer waltzed into Walmart on New Year’s Eve and put camping fuel into her shopping cart before making her way to the baby area. Then, without any warning or provocation, the crazy lady poured the fuel on several baby cribs and set them on fire before walking out of the store.
Considering this all happened during the evening before a big holiday, the Walmart was packed, “a full store of customers when this arson was committed,” as the authorities report. Fortunately, no customers or employees were hurt in the fire. But ABC7 Chicago states that the fire caused around $10,000 in damage, while Law & Crime claims the damage is in the 5 million range. The police have yet to pinpoint any particular motive that the culprit had, but the woman was discovered to have a “pending criminal charge of arson out of Colorado.”
“Imagine if people got trampled or couldn’t get out – this woman needs higher charges she put everyone lives in danger,” remarks a Redditor. “Five million in damage is bad but the trauma to customers and workers is worse,” agrees another. As many will recall, there are multiple horror stories of people getting trampled or squished during a fire or other unexpected emergency. And while Walmart stores generally have plenty of space for people to move, it’s still miraculous that the workers reacted properly and quickly to evacuate everyone to safety.
It goes without saying that many online users are quick to judge the arsonist as just a nutcase pyromaniac, but some Facebook users did share some sympathy. “Is she okay? This sounds like a scream for help. There is some mental illness at play, and everyone jumping to Judge her I just hope that’s never your family member,” remarks a commenter. The fact that she specifically went for destroying the baby cribs might explain something, but that would be for police investigators to figure out.
