Police have released the results of their investigation into the fire that destroyed the iconic Krispy Kreme store owned by Shaquille O’Neal earlier this month in Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. On Friday, The Atlanta Fire Rescue revealed that the February 10 incident was the result of arson.
Atlanta Fire Chief Sargent Cortez Stafford confirmed this in a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“The investigating officers believe that the fire was intentional on the outside of the building. “The fire quickly spread to the inside of the structure and caused catastrophic damage,” he said.
Authorities also released two photos of the person who was probably behind the burning of Shaquille O’Neal’s store. Police have not yet identified the suspect since the recently released surveillance photos show him wearing black as he left the scene.
The fire that took place at @krispykreme Donuts (295 Ponce de Leon) on February 10, 2021 is determined to be a result of ARSON. We are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspect in these photos. Up to $ 10,000 reward. 1-800-282-5804 #AFRD pic.twitter.com/HotJquoNC1
– Atlanta Fire Rescue (@ATLFireRescue) 26 February 2021
In addition to earning millions in salary during his playing days in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal has been praised for several successful business investments he has made in retirement. Shaq initially bought the Krispy Kreme store in 2016 and becomes the company’s spokesman.
In an Instagram post after the incident, Shaquille O’Neal also promised to reopen the store, claiming it will be stronger than ever before.
Hope no one was injured. But we will be back stronger than ever.
O’Neal chose the Krispy Kreme branch in Atlanta because of its historical significance, as it once provided free donuts to local churches where mourners gathered after the death of Martin Luther King Jr.
