Shaq's ATL Krispy Kreme Set Ablaze By Arsonist, Police Offering $10K Reward: Report

BY Erika Marie 1.8K Views
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Shaq, Krispy Kreme, MLK, Arson
The historic location has ties to Dr. King and police are hoping that the public will help identify the suspect involved.

Like many other retired sports stars, Shaquille O'Neal is the owner of multiple businesses. When he's not on television giving his NBA takes as a sports commentator or traveling the world attending parties as a DJ, Shaq acts as the owner of multiple franchises and eateries. In 2016, the Los Angeles Lakers icon reportedly purchased a Krispy Kreme donut shop in Atlant—and not just any store, but one that has its place in history. It's reported that in 1968 when thousands traveled to the ATL to mourn the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. following his assassination, Krispy Kreme handed out cases of food to attendees.

Weeks ago, reports surfaced that Shaq's Krispy Kreme had gone up in flames, and following an investigation, it was concluded that an arsonist was the culprit. The blaze occurred on February 10 while two employees were inside and thankfully, they were able to flee to safety without injury. Surveillance footage shows the suspect lurking around the property and to help entice the public to help locate the person responsible, police have offered a $10K reward for information that would aid in identifying the person in the video.

"The fire that occurred at @krispykreme Doughnuts (295 Ponce de Leon) on February 10th, 2021 has been determined to be a result of ARSON," officials said. "We are seeking the public’s help in identifying & locating the suspect in these pictures."

Shaq isn't swayed by the setback and has vowed to rebuild "stronger than ever." Check out footage from the blaze above.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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