Firecracker explodes in Alameda Safeway store to divert attention during grocery theft

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Police are searching for two people suspected of exploding a firecracker inside a busy Safeway store on Thursday in order to steal a shopping cart loaded with groceries.

The explosion and theft happened about noon Thursday at the Safeway store in Alameda South Shore Center, police said.

A male suspect threw the firecracker in the store's refrigerated beer section, creating a diversion that allowed a female suspect to leave the store with a shopping cart full of groceries, according to police.

The store was shut down and the explosion scared several people, police said.

The male suspect is described as white, age 25-35 with short hair, 6 feet tall and 180 pounds.

He was last seen wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt with "Snap On" written in red lettering, blue jeans, and black sunglasses on his head.

The female suspect is described as white, with bright red hair and a neon yellow hair clip.

She is between 25 and 35 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 150 lbs.

She was last seen wearing a gray and black hooded sweatshirt, light blue jeans, and white shoes.

The suspects were associated with silver, compact SUV, police said.

Anyone with information on the suspects can contact Officer Lorensen or Detective DiGiusto at 510-337-8340.