Police released the results of their investigation into the fire that devastated Shaquille O’Neal’s iconic Krispy Kreme store on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this month. On Friday, the Atlanta Fire Rescue revealed that the February 10 incident is the result of an arson.
Atlanta fire department spokesman Sargent Cortez Stafford confirmed this in a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“Investigators believe that the fire was intentionally caused outside the building. The fire spread quickly into the structure causing catastrophic damage, ”he said.
Authorities also released two photos of the person who was probably behind the fire at Shaquille O’Neal’s store. Police have not yet identified the suspect, as the newly released surveillance photos showed him wearing black as he left the crime scene.
The fire that occurred in @Krispy Kreme Donuts (295 Ponce de Leon) on February 10, 2021 was determined as a result of ARSON. We are seeking public help to identify and locate the suspect in these photos. Reward up to $ 10,000. 1-800-282-5804 #AFRD pic.twitter.com/HotJquoNC1
– Atlanta Fire Rescue (@ATLFireRescue) February 26, 2021
In addition to earning millions in salaries during his NBA days, Shaquille O’Neal was praised for several successful business investments he made after retirement. Shaq initially bought the Krispy Kreme store in 2016 and became the company’s spokesperson.
In an Instagram post after the incident, Shaquille O’Neal also promised to reopen the store and stated that it will be back stronger than ever.
I hope no one was hurt. But we will be back stronger than ever.
O’Neal chose the Krispy Kreme branch in Atlanta for its historical significance, as it provided free donuts to local churches where mourners gathered after the death of Martin Luther King Jr.
