Police said a shoplifter was trying to create a diversion when he opened a propane tank with a knife and set off a series of explosions Sunday at a Fred Meyer store.

The fire forced the evacuation of the store and damaged as much as $300,000 worth of merchandise.

No one was injured in the incident.
 
Police arrested Jonathon Hipple, 23, of Eugene. Hipple is charged with first degree arson, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
 
Detective Steve Williams said Hipple entered the store on Division Avenue in Santa Clara early Sunday afternoon, and employees quickly became suspicious of the items he was placing in his cart.
 
Williams said Hipple realized he was being watched. Police believe Hipple then headed to the sporting goods aisle, took a knife he had pocketed and used it to open a propane tank, releasing flammable liquid.
 
He then set it afire.
 
The tank was near other tanks, so it set off a chain reaction.
 
"It was like a jet of fire 10, 15 feet in the air," Williams said.
 
Williams said Hipple then walked out of the store amidst the confusion with $100 to $200 worth of stolen merchandise, including a pair of shoes, pruning shears and gloves.
 
"Basically, he took a minor theft and made it a felony," Williams said.
 
In the parking lot, Hipple approached a shopper and asked for a ride to the bus station. Williams said the woman, an innocent bystander, complied and dropped Hipple off in the River Road area.
 
Police tracked Hipple down through witness reports and arrested him Sunday afternoon.
 
Williams said Hipple has previous arrests for identity theft and drugs.
 
The fire and resulting water damage destroyed from $200,000 to $300,000 worth of merchandise, Williams said.
 
The Fred Meyer store is open Monday, but the area where the fire occured is sealed.