News Summary
A Market Basket employee in Gloucester, MA has been charged with arson after two fires broke out at the store on March 14, 2025. Matthew Johnson, 35, is accused of attempting to burn the building and damaging property. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the store reopened the next day after thorough cleaning. The investigation revealed Johnson was seen near the trash compactor before the fires ignited, raising questions about his motives, which may be linked to his frustration over reduced work hours.
Gloucester Market Basket Employee Charged with Arson Following Two Fires at Store
In a shocking turn of events, the Market Basket in Gloucester, Massachusetts was the scene of two fires on the evening of March 14, 2025, just before 8:30 p.m. The man at the center of this fiery drama is Matthew Johnson, a 35-year-old employee who has now been charged with serious offences including burning personal property and attempting to burn a building.
The Chaotic Evening Unfolds
The fires broke out while the store was still open, sending a wave of panic through customers and staff alike. Thankfully, quick-thinking employees took immediate action when another staff member activated the fire alarm, alerting everyone inside of the peril. The store’s sprinkler system kicked into gear promptly, helping to extinguish the fire that started in a storeroom.
However, the second fire, which ignited in a cardboard compactor attached to the building, required more effort to control. Firefighters from Gloucester, along with neighboring Essex, Manchester, and Rockport fire departments, rushed to the scene and needed about 40 minutes to get the situation under control. They even utilized the jaws of life to access the equipment, ensuring that no further damage could occur.
Investigation Reveals Alarming Details
As investigators examined the situation, they discovered surveillance footage allegedly showing Johnson near the trash compactor just before the incident took place. Reports indicate he was busy placing cardboard inside it, raising suspicions regarding his involvement. An Assistant District Attorney presented the case by asserting that Johnson lit two separate fires in the store.
One curious detail that has emerged is that just before the fires broke out, Johnson had visited the Market Basket to express his frustration about his work hours being cut. This has led some to speculate whether his actions were motivated by anger over his job situation. Adding to this complexity, one of his friends claimed that Johnson had faced harassment while working at the Market Basket, though no clear motive was discussed in the court proceedings.
Johnson’s Legal Woes and Current Situation
At his arraignment in the Gloucester District Court, bail was set at $5,000. However, due to his current residence in a local homeless shelter, Johnson indicated he was unable to afford the bail, leaving his future uncertain. His legal team argued that the fire may not have been intentionally set, suggesting that materials in the compactor could possibly spontaneously combust, which would be a surprising twist in this harrowing tale.
No Injuries Reported, Store Reopens
Miraculously, no injuries were reported as a result of the fires, but all affected food and packaging were promptly discarded to ensure customer safety. In a show of resilience, the grocery store was able to reopen its doors the very next day after undergoing extensive cleaning and ventilation processes.
A Focus on Community Safety
Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga took a moment to address the situation, expressing faith in public safety officials and emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to safe food for the community. As the investigation continues, residents are left to wonder how a night meant for shopping turned into a scene straight out of a movie.
As the story develops, Gloucester residents are reminded of the vital role community support plays during troubling times. While all is temporarily calm again at Market Basket, it’s safe to say that many will be keeping an eye on what happens next with Matthew Johnson and any repercussions he may face for this inexplicable act.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Boston.com: Market Basket Employee Accused of Setting 2 Fires at Gloucester Store
- NBC Boston: Gloucester Market Basket Fire Employee Charges
- WHDH: 35-Year-Old Store Employee Charged with Setting Gloucester Market Basket on Fire
- CBS News: Market Basket Employee Accused of Setting Fires in Gloucester
- MassLive: Market Basket Food Packaging Discarded After Fire in Gloucester
- Wikipedia: Arson
- Google Search: Gloucester Market Basket fire
- Google Scholar: arson laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: arson
- Google News: Market Basket fire
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
