Exclusive: Federal agencies join investigation into possible arson fire at College Station Krispy Kreme

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – A fire that destroyed the Krispy Kreme building in College Station is being investigated as a possible arson and hate crime, sources tell KBTX’s Rusty Surette.

ATF agents were back on the scene of the fire on Harvey Road near Post Oak Mall on Tuesday looking at evidence along with investigators from the College Station Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

KBTX has learned accelerants were detected at the scene of the fire along with racist spray-painted messages in three separate spots on the property including on the outside of the building, a utility box, and a fence.

A spokesman for the College Station Fire Department said that because it’s an ongoing investigation, he could not comment on specifics but confirmed that the ATF reached out Monday to assist in investigating the blaze.

“We begin treating all fire scenes like this with the assumption that it may be an arson,” said CSFD Captain Stuart Marrs.

We have reached out to the ATF for additional comment on the investigation.

A spokesman for the FBI Houston Office declined to say if agents are also involved in the case.

The story continues below

🔴Exclusive: Racist graffiti found on the Krispy Kreme building that went up in flames Monday morning in College Station. The ATF has joined the investigation.

MORE DETAILS: https://t.co/qXS7p6AnbQ pic.twitter.com/b8PdxBnVFG

— 🚨 Rusty Surette 🚨 (@KBTXRusty) May 14, 2024

On Monday, the fire was first reported around 2 a.m. by an employee at a nearby business who heard an explosion and saw the fire at Krispy Kreme.

“When our crews arrived the structure was already compromised. Flames were intense and parts of the building were collapsing, so CSFD fought the fire from the outside using large bore nozzles and aerial ladders,” said Cpt. Marrs. “At about 2:30 we called for additional resources and a second fire hydrant for more water supply.”

No employees were at work when the fire started and no injuries were reported.

Volunteers from Brazos County Fire Departments staffed CSFD’s Stations 1 and 3 to protect the rest of the city for the rest of the morning as fire crews worked to contain the fire.

🔥🔥 BREAKING NEWS: A massive fire has engulfed Krispy Kreme near Post Oak Mall in College Station. We’ve had reports of there being an explosion with nearby windows blown out. No reports of injuries at this time. Harvey Road is shut down. 2:18 am
📸: Joe Chavez pic.twitter.com/HNMXI1sOsH

— 🚨 Rusty Surette 🚨 (@KBTXRusty) May 13, 2024