Around 12:40 p.m., Mesa Police Officers and Mesa Firefighters responded to Walmart, located
at 857 N. Dobson in response to a fire. Mesa Firefighters saw the smoke as they arrived and
upgraded the fire to a 1st Alarm, which meant that at least 40 firefighters from Mesa, Tempe,
and Phoenix Fire Departments would be responding to help fight the fire.
Upon entry, Mesa Fire Department described the smoke as being so heavy that it
encompassed their feet and so thick that the firefighters had little to no visibility as they
walked inside. The smoke also activated the sprinkler system, which helped contain the fire
that had now ignited several pallets of merchandise.
After the fire was extinguished, Mesa Firefighters utilized Phoenix Fire Department’s positive
pressure fan to clear smoke from inside the store. As this was taking place, Mesa Police
Officers began their investigation into the fire, discovering that the incident had been caught
on Walmart video surveillance.
Officers reviewed the video and watched the suspect as he selected items throughout the
store. He then went to the Garden Center, where he gathered cushions and padding in a pile
on the floor. The suspect sprayed lighter fluid on the items and surrounding merchandise
before setting it on fire and running away with a Walmart blanket and jacket; amongst other
items.
The suspect appeared to be a Native American male wearing a long-sleeved cream-colored
shirt and dark pants that were both very dirty. Based on the suspect’s appearance, Officers
thought he might be transient and began searching the surrounding area.
The Mesa Police Department’s Central Bike Unit began canvassing the canals close to
Walmart. About 1000 yards from the Walmart, they found the suspect and identified him as
Marcus Manygoats. Marcus was wearing the same clothing he had on while at Walmart and
was in possession of the stolen blanket and jacket.
Walmart managers told Officers that the amount of smoke and water that went through the
store caused damage to their products, structure, and electrical systems. This type of damage
forced Walmart to close and will add to the total loss accrued from the criminal actions of
Marcus Manygoats. Walmart estimates the total damage between $6,000,000- $10,000,000.
Marcus was arrested for the following charges and held on a $200,000 bond.
1ct Arson of an Occupied Structure- ARS 13-1704A, a class 2 felony
1ct Criminal Damage, ARS 13-1602A1 (over $10,000) a class 4 felony
1ct Endangerment, ARS 13-1201A, a class 6 felony.
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| Marcus Manygoats |
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