Two masked arsonists who slammed their SUV into a Michigan weed dispensary, intent on setting the store ablaze, got more than they bargained for when they tried to light the fire. The unnamed alleged arsonists were caught on CCTV footage backing into the front doors of Pure Cannabis Outlet in Monroe County at 1 a.m. on May 10.
Botched Robbery Leads to Unexpected Consequences
According to KYMA, one suspect drenched the counters with gasoline while the other began swiping items from the shelves and the back room. As they lit the gasoline, karma took its toll. The sudden explosion of flames set both suspects on fire as they attempted to flee the burning store. Security camera footage showed fire shooting out, catching onto each suspect's black hoodie as they dashed out of the shop. One even appeared to still be aflame from the knees down as he ran through the parking lot. Witnesses said the suspects got into a dark-colored car waiting nearby.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Fire alarms in the building alerted emergency responders. The SUV, a stolen Jeep Cherokee from Detroit, was still partially inside the store when police arrived. Store owner Mike Bahoura mocked the crooks for their abysmal attempt at a robbery, telling Click On Detroit that the botched break-in was "definitely amateur hour." He said, "I never thought anybody would take it to this level and maybe they didn't. I don't know, but it definitely feels targeted."
Bahoura told MLive that the conspiring pair were "in and out within a minute." He added, "They weren't here to rob us. They were here to set the store on fire." Fortunately, the building's built-in sprinkler system quickly extinguished the fire. Pure Cannabis Outlet was able to open later that day without issue.
Aftermath and Reward
Bahoura called the robbery "amateur hour" but has offered a reward for anyone with information. "We have insurance," he added. "We will be fine, but if it was worse and we were closed for an extended period of time, my biggest worry would've been the people who work here." One of the men got away with some prepackaged cannabis, but no more than $100 worth of product was stolen. Fire and water damage inflicted up to $100,000 worth of damage on the storefront.
The store has begun making a joke out of the burglary, even using gas canisters as tip jars. Pure Cannabis Outlet is even running a "fire sale," offering up to 50 percent off regular prices. Bahoura fears the culprits could have been his competition. "Could it have been a former employee?" he said. "Maybe, but I think the most likely answer is probably competition that is taking it to a whole other level, but I hope I'm wrong."
Bahoura has offered a $25,000 reward for any information leading to arrest and conviction. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. Police are still searching for the suspects, who are under suspicion of breaking and entering and arson. The Daily Mail contacted the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Pure Cannabis Outlet for more information.
