Suspect apprehended after fire incident inside Capitola Target

CAPITOLA — One person was apprehended by law enforcement in connection with a fire that erupted inside a Target store in Capitola Tuesday night.

Units with the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County were dispatched at 8:25 p.m. to the retail chain’s outpost at 1825 41st Ave. after receiving confirmation of a structure fire within the building, according to a release from the local fire agency.

First responders were informed that the fire was located on the building’s second floor on a shelving unit in the sporting goods aisle. Upon entering, the fire officials reported light, non-pressurized smoke billowing from the second floor and quickly located the origin of the fire.

The store’s water sprinkler system managed to keep the blaze in check and fire crews were able to make quick work of putting it out entirely using a light water fire extinguisher. Firefighters then conducted a primary search of the store, confirmed both floors had been evacuated and then began salvage operations, which consisted of water and smoke removal.

According to the release, the fire was considered suspicious in nature and one individual has been taken into custody. The investigation was ongoing Wednesday.

In all, six units and 17 total personnel from Central Fire responded to the incident. They were joined by units from Capitola police and Pacific Gas and Electric.