Arson at York Walmart temporarily closes store; local grocery store sees increase in customers

YORK, Neb. (KLKN) — The York Police Department is investigating an alleged arson at the Walmart Supercenter near Highway 81 and David Drive.

Authorities say 20-year-old William Regan Young Eckman used store items to set merchandise on fire before leaving the area.

The York Fire Department quickly put out the fire, but said there could be significant smoke damage.

Officers took Eckman into custody after he admitted to setting the fire, according to the police department.

Walmart posted on social media that it will be closed for an indefinite period, leaving locally owned grocery stores to feel the impact.

“It’s been a great time here seeing all kinds of faces that maybe we haven’t captured in the last little while,” said Courtney Salmon, the Assistant Store Director at Grand Central Foods.

Walmart’s posts drew dozens of customer comments wondering where to go now.

And for Grand Central Foods, that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“We’ve seen a nice uptick in customers,” said Rick Carlson, the Store Director. “Folks are searching for things that maybe have not shopped here in a little while, but we’re happy to have them back. We’re always here to help York and be a good community partner. I think a lot of people are happy to get back in here, see that we have a good selection, that our pricing is right on point with anybody else’s, and they’re very happy we’re here.”

Many people in the area said they’re upset about Walmart’s closure, but it’s given them a chance to check out other places.

Carlson said this serves as a reminder of why shopping local is so important.

“There are some great grocery stores from Arkansas and Iowa and different places, but our store is from Nebraska,” he said. “This is where our home is. This is where we serve, this is where we are. We just want people to remember, we have a lot to offer and we want the opportunity to offer those things.”

YPD is asking anyone who was inside Walmart during the fire or who had contact with Eckman to come forward.

Walmart has yet to release a reopening timeline, but it said its pharmacies are available for curbside pickup.