Woman Taken into Custody After Target Fire in Burbank
Woman Arrested in Connection with Burbank Target Fire
BURBANK, Calif. – A 27-year-old woman, Stephanie Mendoza, has been arrested following a fire at the Empire Center in Burbank, which has resulted in the temporary closure of a local Target store since Sunday night.
Authorities apprehended Mendoza along with two other individuals at a nearby Extended Stay Hotel, where they had been residing. While all three were taken into custody, Mendoza is the only one facing potential charges related to the fire. The other two detainees are suspected of unrelated offenses.
Witnesses report that Mendoza was seen entering the hotel with the two others, pushing shopping carts filled with Target products. Surveillance footage from both the hotel and the Target store appears to confirm their presence shortly before and after the fire ignited.
Investigators are exploring the possibility that the fire served as a diversion, allowing the individuals to exit the store with stolen merchandise. Although Mendoza has not been formally charged with theft, this aspect remains under investigation. According to accounts from hotel staff, police were observed retrieving Target items as part of their inquiry.
As the investigation unfolds, Burbank police have yet to release further information. Meanwhile, Target employees are hopeful that the store will reopen in time for the upcoming Easter weekend, a critical shopping period. A sign outside the store indicates that they will notify the public when operations can resume.
