Salina Police Arrest Man After Arson at Dillon’s Store on East Cloud

Salina Police arrested a 19-year-old man following an arson incident at the Dillon’s store located at 1235 East Cloud on the evening of the 17th.

Officers and firefighters responded to the store at approximately 9:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a fire in an attached storage area. Upon arrival, emergency crews located a pallet burning in the rear storage room. The pallet contained boxes of laundry detergent and toilet paper. Firefighters extinguished the fire at the scene.

Investigators reviewed video footage that reportedly shows an individual setting the pallet on fire with a lighter before walking away. Police identified the suspect as Justin Burgess, 19, of Sedgwick, Kansas. Burgess was taken into custody and charged with aggravated arson and criminal damage to property. Authorities estimated the loss from damaged merchandise to exceed $1,000.

Because the store was open at the time of the incident and employees and customers were present, store management closed the location early as a precaution and to allow investigators to process the scene. No injuries were reported.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review evidence related to the case.