Police said surveillance video helped track the suspect from the store toward MARTA.
CHAMBLEE, Ga. — A Walmart in Chamblee remained closed after a Saturday fire investigation that began when officials said a man set bathroom merchandise on fire inside the store.
The incident forced shoppers and workers out of the store in the 1800 block of Chamblee Tucker Road. City officials said several bathroom mats and towels were burned, but firefighters were able to put out the flames after the store was evacuated.
Police said the man left the Walmart after the fire and was seen on surveillance footage walking toward a MARTA station. The search later moved to the Doraville MARTA station, where officials said the suspect was found and arrested. Authorities did not release his name Saturday.
A City of Chamblee spokesperson said police first received notice that a man was setting a fire in the bathroom aisle. The fire did not remain a store-level issue for long. Firefighters, Chamblee police and DeKalb fire officials became part of the response as investigators began checking the scene and collecting information.
Officials had not released a motive, damage estimate or full timeline for when the fire was started and when the man was arrested. They also had not said whether formal charges had been filed. No reopening time for the Walmart had been announced.
The case now moves through a fire investigation and police review. Authorities are expected to determine the suspect’s identity, the final list of charges and when the Chamblee Tucker Road store can reopen to customers.
Author note: Last updated May 3, 2026.