YORK, NE – Chaos erupted at a Walmart store in York late Sunday morning after a fire broke out, prompting a rapid response from local authorities and forcing dozens of customers and employees to evacuate.

Police say it was around noon when they received reports of a blaze inside the busy retail store. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a scene of confusion as staff and shoppers hurried to safety while thick smoke began to fill the building. Firefighters quickly moved in to tackle the flames and assess the damage.

Investigators soon identified William Eckman, 20, as the individual responsible for the incident. Officers located Eckman outside the store near a collection of dumpsters and took him into custody without further incident. Law enforcement officials say Eckman admitted to starting the fire.

According to investigators, Eckman told police he was aware that the store was occupied at the time and that he considered the locations of customers before igniting the blaze. Officers also noted that Eckman shared specific details about the fire only someone present at the scene would know.

Authorities confirmed the fire resulted in the loss of nearly $15,000 in retail merchandise, while the full extent of property damage to the store itself has not yet been determined. The Walmart was forced to close for several days for cleanup and repairs, reopening to shoppers by midweek.

Eckman faces charges including first-degree arson, making terroristic threats, and criminal mischief resulting in substantial loss. Following his arrest, he was booked at the York County Jail and held on a $2,500 bond. He appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday.

In the aftermath, law enforcement officials appealed to the public for assistance with the case, asking anyone with information about Eckman or the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.

York, which sits roughly 50 miles west of Nebraska’s capital, Lincoln, has not previously experienced an incident of this magnitude at a retail location, according to local officials.

No injuries were reported from the fire, but police say the swift evacuation played a key role in preventing potential harm to those inside the store.

Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and speak with witnesses to piece together all details surrounding the incident.