York, NE – A man has been charged in connection with setting fire to a Walmart while it was occupied. William Eckman, 20, faces charges of first-degree arson, terroristic threats, and criminal mischief.
The incident occurred on Sunday just before noon. Fire crews evacuated the store as flames erupted.
Officers responded after receiving a 911 call from a dispatcher who reported that a man was admitting to starting the fire. The suspect was located near dumpsters on the property and taken into custody.
During an interview with law enforcement, Eckman confessed he was aware of the people in the store and had considered their locations before igniting the blaze.
Details he provided during questioning suggested he had firsthand knowledge of the fire.
The fire resulted in nearly $15,000 in merchandise loss, not including damages to the store itself.
The store reopened on Wednesday.
Eckman was booked into the York County Jail with a bond set at $2,500. He made his first court appearance that same day.
