Suspected Arson has Five Points Businesses on Edge

COLUMBIA,S.C. (WOLO) Area Business owners tell ABC Columbia news they are keeping their shops under tighter lock and key following an early morning blaze that destroyed a neighboring business. Some say the incident that seems to be surrounded by more questions than answers has them wondering if they could be the next victim of a suspect who remains on the loose. Fire officials continue investigating the fire they believe was intentionally set in the wee hours of Friday morning. While officials have released surveillance photos of an unknown person of interest, it hasn’t help calm the fears of area business owners who say the fire is too close for comfort. Stanley Mason who opened Watch Medic just seven months ago says as soon as he heard the news he made sure their alarm system and property insurance were up to date. Andy Shloan who has been operating Andy’s deli in five points for the last 33 years says they’re also keeping a closer eye on everyone who comes in and out of their business.