CUTLER BAY, fLA. – A homeless man could be spending a long time behind bars after first responders were called to a Publix in Cutler Bay last weekend.
According to Miami-Dade police, 39-year-old Dominick Martinez was arrested and faces charges of attempted murder and first-degree arson.
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Authorities said they were called to a Publix located at 20951 Old Cutler Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. Feb.17 and found smoke billowing out of the building upon arrival.
Police said while reviewing video surveillance, Martinez was seen entering the store and proceeded directly to the bathroom. Upon exiting, witnesses reported that he aimlessly roamed through various aisles without showing interest in any merchandise.
Witnesses further stated that Martinez spoke briefly with an employee before heading to aisle 11, where items such as charcoal, lighter fluid and butane containers were stocked, according to an arrest report.
According to authorities, additional surveillance footage showed Martinez tampering with merchandise while tilting a bottle of butane and rearranging bottles of lighter fluid next to bags of charcoal.
“The defendant then reached into the shelf area with a torch lighter in his right hand. After a brief moment, a flash is seen, and the defendant jumps back,” an arrest officer wrote in the report.
Police said an alert Publix employee quickly noticed smoke rising from the shelves and acted swiftly to extinguish the flames, with the help of a customer.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene and determined the incident to be arson.
Following the release of photos from surveillance footage on social media, community members identified Martinez as the suspect. Police said he was known to frequent the area surrounding South Dixie Highway and Marlin Road, as well as the nearby CVS store.
Miami-Dade police officers located Martinez outside the CVS store just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and took him into custody.
Police said Martinez made spontaneous statements upon his arrest. However, investigators advised him not to speak further until a formal interview could be conducted at the Cutler Bay police station.
During an interrogation, Martinez reportedly claimed to have no recollection of the events leading up to the fire.
Jail records show he remains in custody pending formal charges, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
As of Thursday, Martinez was being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.