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Greensboro Walmart reopens after officials say man set clothing racks on fire

"This world is getting so crazy. [It's] somebody who doesn’t have [anything] else to do because it’s really terrible that they did this intentionally," said Maria.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro Fire Marshal Tim Henshaw says a man intentionally set clothing racks on fire at the Walmart off Wendover Ave.

It happened Wednesday around 7:05 a.m. Police arrested 42-year-old Leonard Daniel Childress and charged him with burning personal property, burning or attempting to burn other buildings, breaking and entering, larceny, possession of stolen goods, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His most recent conviction was a June 2019 misdemeanor larceny. Childress also has five prior out of state convictions. 

Childress appeared before Guilford County Court Thursday afternoon. Officials were unable to verify Childress's employment and said he is homeless.

Credit: WFMY News 2 & the Guilford County Jail

Childress faces nearly 17 years in prison for previous incidents, including five felonies.

His bond related to the incident at Walmart yesterday is set at $100,000. A second bond for failure to appear for assault on a female and misuse of a 911 system last summer was set $600.

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"This world is getting so crazy. [It's] somebody who doesn’t have [anything] else to do because it’s really terrible that they did this intentionally," said Maria Sanchez.

Credit: Tabitha Lester
Damage in the baby clothes section after a man allegedly set a fire inside the Wendover Avenue Walmart.

Henshaw says investigators are still trying to find out how Childress started the fire. The Walmart was closed for most of the day with employees turning customers away at the door.

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"It's very inconvenient that I can't go in here to get a simple money order but things happen and people are just getting crazy out here so let's just stay prayed up," said Jarius Foster.

Childress's next court date is February 27, 2020.

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