Officials rule fire at Shaq’ landmark store Krispy Kreme arson

Fire investigators of Shaq’s landmark store Krispy Kreme fire outbreak have concluded that the fire was intentionally set. The fire was said to have almost destroyed the historic Atlanta Doughnut shop. In the early hours of February 10, the store considered a neighborhood landmark went up in flames, according to reports from McClathy News.

The Krispy Kreme property was purchased by former NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal in 2016. After the fire incident, O’Neal said the business would bounce back “stronger than ever,” with the backside of the building badly damaged.

Investigators handling the case say they believe the fire was intentionally started by someone at the restaurant’s exterior. The Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department released photos of the accused arsonist captured on surveillance cameras and announced a $10,000 reward for any useful information that would lead to an arrest.

“The fire that occurred at @kripsykreme Doughnuts (295 Ponce de Leon) on February 10th, 2021 has been determined to be a result of ARSON. We are seeking the public’s help in identifying & locating the suspect in these pictures. Up to $10,000 reward. 1-800-282-5804 #AFRD,” the department wrote.

Krispy Kreme’s Atlanta’s store was among the first set of shops to open when founder Vernon Carver Rudolph expanded the business’s operations outside Winston-Salem, North Carolina, according to its website.

Specific details of how the fire started are yet to be determined, all that is known is that the fire was intentionally started. It is also unclear when the store will reopen.

At the time the fire broke out at Krispy Kreme, two employees were said to be working the drive-thru at the time. They exited the building safely after the spotted smoking wires and escaped being trapped in the fire. Although the exterior of the building was severely damaged, firefighters saved most of the building.

Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest should contact the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.