Domino's Managers Burn Down Rival Papa John's Store

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on November 02, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Even a pizza rivalry can become criminal. Two Lake City, Florida Domino's Pizza managers set fire to their competitor, a Papa John's franchise.

Bryan Sullivan and Sean Davidson are both charged with felony arson over the crime.

The duo allegedly set their rival pizza parlor aflame in order to increase sales in their Domino's franchise.

The Papa John's franchise was new in the neighborhood, and had only been open for several months. It was, however, doing well - which is what probably sparked the crime.

In Florida, arson can range from a first-degree to a second-degree felony.

First-degree felony charges may result if the defendants set fire to a dwelling, a structure that the defendant reasonably knew to be occupied, or to a structure where people are normally present including business establishments.

Second-degree felony charges can result if the person sets fire to any other structure or property.

It's unclear what degree of arson they're facing, but first-degree charges seem appropriate. After all, a pizza joint is a place of business where people normally frequent.

The Domino's managers could have also faced charges of conspiracy. Conspiracy charges can result if two or more people agree to commit a crime and then take steps toward completing the crime.

Sullivan and Davidson did take substantial steps toward the completion of the arson. The Papa John's franchise was burned to the ground. But they haven't been charged with that crime yet.

Even so, the felony arson charges will likely mean that the Domino's managers' fire will be the last blaze they set for a while. They are currently being held on a $20,000 bond. The Papa John's owner plans to rebuild, reports NBC Miami.

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