Man Destroys Home Depot In Massive Fire That Could Be Seen From Space; Arrested

A California man, allegedly behind a fire that could be detected from outer space, was arrested and is facing charges for torching down a Home Depot in San Jose.

Dyllin Jaycruz Gogue, 27, is accused of lighting up the fire in an aisle he was trying to steal tools from. The flames spread rampantly and engulfed the entire 98,827-square-foot space of the famous hardware store on Blossom Hill Road.

The massive fire on April 9 destroyed the entire building and caused an estimated inventory loss of $17 million, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.

Gogue allegedly robbed a Bass Pro Shop store before starting the fire at Home Depot while customers and employees were still inside, according to the New York Post.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said at a news conference Tuesday that the blaze “sent employees and customers running for their lives.”

Gogue “lit the fire and tried to leave the store with a cart containing tools. He was stopped by a Home Deport employee and fled in a person’s car,” the news release said. "Later, Gogue continued the theft spree that extended to a nearby Macy’s."

Gogue was arrested on April 15 and faces 10 felony counts, which include aggravated arson, arson of an inhabited structure or property and grand theft, in addition to three petty theft misdemeanors.

“I am thankful to all the law enforcement partners who quickly brought this person to justice,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in the news release. “And I am thankful this was not a multiple murder case. This fire — set during business hours — could so easily have left bodies in the rubble. It was horribly reckless behavior, and we will prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.”

Gogue appeared in court Tuesday and did not enter a plea. He was ordered to be held without bond.

"We are glad there were no physical injuries," Christopher Yuen, Gogue's attorney, told CNN. "We respect the strong feelings in the community and are waiting for the investigative materials to come in."

In the official news release, San José Mayor Sam Liccardo was quoted saying, “I speak for a grateful city in commending the outstanding work of our Fire and Police departments in saving lives and rapidly identifying the suspect. The DA’s charging decision appropriately recognizes the gravity and severity of harm posed by the suspect’s actions.”