Cobble

During the investigation into the fire that occurred June 25, 2026, at Walmart, located at 1401 S. Route 59, Joliet Police detectives identified Adam Cobble (22, Joliet) as a suspect in this case following a review of surveillance video and assistance with other law enforcement partners.
On July 2, 2026, detectives were notified by the Plainfield Police Department that Cobble was in their custody for an unrelated case. Joliet detectives responded to the Plainfield Police Department and conducted an interview with Cobble.
During the interview, Cobble admitted to entering the store on the day of the fire, where he selected and ate cooked chicken that was prepared for sale without paying for it. Cobble then proceeded to the toy aisle where he used a lighter to intentionally ignite a cardboard box containing a plush toy before fleeing the store.
Following a review of this investigation, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of Aggravated Arson (Class X Felony) and Retail Theft against Cobble. He was transported to the Joliet Police Department for processing and was later transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.
We would like to thank the Plainfield Police Department and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance in this investigation.

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Original Release

(Joliet, Illinois – June 26, 2026) – On June 25, 2026, at 11:13 a.m., officers assisted the Joliet Fire Department at Walmart located at 1401 South Route 59 in response to a reported fire in the rear of the store. Upon arrival, officers observed heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building near the toy department. The store’s sprinkler system had activated, and members of the Joliet Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire.
Preliminary information indicates the fire originated in the toy department. Detectives, Joliet Fire Department investigators, and representatives from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and surveillance footage from the store is being reviewed as part of this ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division at 815-724-3020. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or submit a tip online at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.