Arson at Harris Teeter under investigation

CHARLOTTE — Officials say that a fire at a local grocery store Saturday night was intentionally set.

Fire crews responded to the Davis Lake Parkway Harris Teeter around 9:30 p.m. for a report of fire.

When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the business.

Officials with the Charlotte Fire Department say that it took 90 firefighters over an hour to get the 3-alarm fire under control.

MEDIC was on scene but no one was injured in the fire.

Charlotte Fire investigators say they believe the fire was intentionally set and caused approximately $500,000 in damage.

One business owner in the area told Channel 9 they saw the evacuations during the fire.

“The police tell us everyone has to get out from the building, that’s why. We tried running back there and it’s coming out of the front, and we could not come out of the front, and they said you have to stay where you are right now, you cannot move,” said Victoria Kunchen.

Holes had to be cut into the roof to help get rid of some of the smoke.

The store is closed while repairs are underway.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as they become available.