Bond set at $850,000
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (January 24, 2022) – A Ford Heights woman has been arrested and charged related to an arson at Lansing’s Walmart on Friday, January 7, Lansing Police said Monday.
According to a Lansing Police Department press release, Heather Weeden, 46, was charged with aggravated arson and retail theft in relation to the incident. She was issued a bond of $850,000 at the Cook County Courthouse.
The Walmart fire caused significant smoke and water damage, and caused the location to be closed for a full week before reopening on January 14 with limited inventory and hours.
Three days after the arson in Lansing, another fire was set at Meijer in Highland, Indiana. The incidents were determined to be connected.
The department press release said Weeden was “ultimately identified as the primary suspect in both incidents.” It is unclear if Weeden has been charged in the Indiana incident as well.
The Lansing Police and Fire Departments are collaborating on the investigation, and are working with Highland agencies as well. On Thursday, January 13, Lansing Police released photos of two suspects and a vehicle thought to be related to the incident. It is not clear if local police are still looking for a second arsonist after Weeden’s arrest.
Weeden also had an arrest warrant active for failure to register as a violent offender in Madison County, Illinois, the LPD release said.
The Lansing Police Department has not yet replied to requests for comment.
