BANGOR (WGME) - A 44-year-old man from Smyrna, Aroostook County, has been arrested for arson after allegedly starting a fire in a Bangor Walmart. The incident occurred on Friday evening, prompting a rapid response from local firefighters.

At approximately 6 p.m., firefighters received reports of a fire in the menswear section of the Walmart store in Bangor. Thanks to their swift action, they were able to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage to the property.

Following the incident, law enforcement authorities analyzed the store's security footage, which led them to identify Lucas Landry as a suspect. According to the police, Landry appeared suspicious during the time of the fire, corroborating their suspicion of his involvement.

This afternoon, Landry was apprehended at his residence and taken into custody. He has been formally charged with arson and will face legal proceedings for his alleged crime.

Authorities are yet to provide information regarding the possible motive behind the arson. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may be revealed in due course.

Arson is a serious offense that poses a significant risk to public safety and can result in severe consequences. Initiating fires in public spaces such as stores not only endangers the lives of individuals but also puts property and livelihoods at stake.

The swift response from the Bangor Fire Department in extinguishing the fire demonstrates the crucial role played by emergency services in protecting the community from such incidents.

Walmart representatives have not issued a statement regarding the incident at this time. Shoppers and employees present at the time of the fire have expressed their relief that no one was injured and that the situation was brought under control swiftly.

As the investigation progresses, authorities will work to establish a clear timeline of events leading up to the incident and gather more evidence to solidify the case against Landry.

The Aroostook County man now faces legal ramifications for his alleged actions, reinforcing the importance of individuals' responsibility to respect the law and protect the safety of others.

Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Bangor Police Department, as their assistance may aid in the resolution of the case.

The court proceedings will shed more light on the motives and circumstances surrounding the alleged arson in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for updates as we bring you the latest developments on this case.