Two Juveniles Arrested in Connection with Arson at Culver City Target Store
CULVER CITY, CA — “The Culver City Police Department has identified two juvenile subjects connected to an arson investigation that occurred at the Target located within Westfield Culver City.
On February 19, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Culver City Police responded to reports of an active fire inside Target, located at 6000 Sepulveda Boulevard. Officers arrived and immediately conducted an interior search for potential victims. No victims were located, and officers immediately began assisting security in guiding shoppers to exit the store safely.
Officers located an active fire burning in the paper products aisle. The entire shopping center was evacuated as a precaution. Fire personnel quickly extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, and there were no signs of structural damage to the building.
Detectives and forensic personnel assumed responsibility for evidence collection and follow-up investigation. At the time of the incident, the estimated financial impact from damage was approximately $1.5 million dollars. Utilizing surveillance footage and the Automated License Plate Reader System, detectives were able to identify the subjects involved and the vehicle they left the area in.
On February 24, 2026, officers patrolling the Westfield Culver City area were alerted to a vehicle associated with the earlier arson incident. Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop
Through investigative follow-up, two juveniles were identified as the subjects connected to the arson investigation. Both juveniles were transported to the Culver City Police Department, cited for Arson of an Inhabited Structure or Property, and released to their parent/guardian.
For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at (310) 253-6120 or jennifer.atenza@culvercity.org.”
