Target store fire reportedly set as diversion for theft

A fire inside the Target store in Countryside Marketplace was apparently set as a diversion for theft, police said.

Police and firefighters responded about 7:30 a.m. Sunday to the store, which had recently opened for business, according to Menifee PD. Store employees and the sprinkler system quickly extinguished the fire, which burned some clothes in the Men’s Department.

Witnesses reported hearing an explosion in the area, followed by the fire. An investigation and check of the store video surveillance system indicated that a suspect set off fireworks, apparently as a diversion to steal items from the electronics department. The suspect, who remains at large, is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s. He was wearing a mask.

Firefighters cleaned up the scene in about 30 minutes but reported heavy water damage.