Arrest made in string of suspicious events around Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- An arrest has been made in an arson and vandalism case involving three Albuquerque Starbucks and three other stores.
A source involved in the investigation told CBS News that a male was arrested overnight while attempting to vandalize a retail establishment.
The first series of incidents occurred early Friday morning, when three Albuquerque Starbucks were vandalized and suspicious devices were found at the locations when the coffee shops were closed.
One of the devices exploded, causing minimal damage, according to the FBI. No one was injured, CBS affiliate KRQE reported.
Images captured by the station showed broken doors and windows and shattered glass at one of the stores:
Since then, the perpetrator has vandalized three more stores: a paper-shredding business, an Old Navy and a Barnes & Noble, the source involved in the investigation told CBS News.
The Albuquerque Fire Department said crews were on the scene within minutes at a Barnes & Noble at Coronado Mall, where they found flames and smoke rising from the side of the building, KRQE reported.
Around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, smoke and flames were also found at an Old Navy, and firefighters worked to prevent the flames from spreading. No injuries were reported at either location.
The source told CBS News the man arrested in the Albuquerque case was “caught in the act.” Authorities have not released his name or stated a motive.
