Woman arrested in connection with fire at Target in Burbank

Woman accused of setting Burbank Target on fire

A woman was arrested in connection with a fire at Burbank’s Empire Center that has kept a Target store closed since Sunday night.

BURBANK, Calif. - FOX 11 has learned that a woman has been arrested in relation to a fire at Burbank's Empire Center that has kept the Target store closed since Sunday night.

What we know:

Burbank police arrested a woman, 27-year-old Stephanie Mendoza, staying at the Extended Stay Hotel, right next to the Empire Center, FOX 11 has learned. 

Witnesses say the woman had been living there with a younger female relative and a man.

Police took all of them into custody, but so far only Mendoza has been arrested in relation to possibly starting the fire. 

The other two people were also detained, but for charges that are not related to the fire.

What they're saying:

Extended Stay employees say off camera that the woman was captured on security video walking into the hotel with the two other people, pushing Target carts full of products.

It seems the same people were also captured on Target security video leaving the store at about the same time, or shortly after the fire started.

Mendoza, who was arrested for possibly starting the fire, has not been charged with theft, but the possibility that the fire may have been started as a diversion is part of the investigation.

Witnesses at the hotel say they saw police officers taking the Target products as part of the investigation.

What's next:

FOX 11 is awaiting a press release from Burbank police. 

Target employees were hoping the store would open before Easter, which can be a big shopping weekend. 

A sign in front of the store reads that they'll notify the public as soon as they can reopen.