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Walmart arsonist sparks chaos on New Year’s Eve, causing millions in damages

Walmart arsonist sparks chaos on new year's eve, causing millions in damages - photo licensed by shore news network.

Walmart arsonist sparks chaos on New Year’s Eve, causing millions in damages

Woodstock, IL A 21-year-old woman is accused of setting multiple baby cribs on fire inside a Walmart on New Year’s Eve. Adilyn Monette has been charged with aggravated arson, according to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

A judge denied her pretrial release after her court appearance on Friday. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

Monette allegedly entered the Walmart on Lake Ave and proceeded to the camping equipment aisle. She reportedly removed a can of camping fuel, placed it in a shopping cart, and returned to the baby section of the store.

Surveillance footage captured Monette retrieving a second can of camping fuel and then pouring it on several cribs before lighting them on fire using matches. She then exited the store.

Responding officers were able to identify Monette through her vehicle registration. Firefighters found the store evacuated upon arrival.

The fire caused an estimated $5 million in damage, affecting merchandise and physical structure. The building’s automatic sprinkler system extinguished the fire.

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese commended Walmart staff and local emergency services for their actions amidst a crowded store. Monette has a pending criminal charge of arson from Colorado and is set to return to court on January 7.

Arrest of teacher sparks outrage after alleged abuse of own children

Arrest of teacher sparks outrage after alleged abuse of own children - photo licensed by shore news network.

Arrest of teacher sparks outrage after alleged abuse of own children

Chattanooga, TN A local elementary school teacher has been arrested following allegations of abusing her children. Heather Pecht, 47, was taken into custody by the Chattanooga Police Department on Friday.

Pecht faces two counts of child neglect after her children reported that she had attacked them while they were in a car. Court documents reveal that the incident occurred at Ruby Falls in Lookout Mountain on Friday.

The children’s father noticed injuries on their hands and inquired about them. The children apparently identified Pecht as the cause of their injuries.

According to the details in court documents, the children were in the backseat of the car when Pecht demanded her phone back from them. As they attempted to return it, she is accused of pinching one child and biting another.

The father, who lives separately from Pecht, contacted law enforcement after returning home with the children. He reported that he had previously alerted authorities about Pecht’s behavior, but no action was taken.

All three children told police that the abuse had been ongoing for years. Officers validated the children’s claims by observing similar injuries.

The father and children spoke with the Child Advocacy Center and provided matched accounts of the events. The father was granted emergency custody of all three children.

Pecht is employed as a first-grade teacher at Lookout Mountain Elementary School. Hamilton County Schools has not commented on her employment status.

She posted bond after her arrest and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 27, 2026.