A suspect was spotted near Tacoma businesses early Saturday morning, just before a fire broke out. Authorities say the fire was intentionally started.
TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect believed to have intentionally started a fire in Tacoma Saturday morning.
Around 6:45 a.m., police and firefighters responded to a fire in the 300 block of East 26th Street. Police say initial investigations indicate the fire was intentionally started.
Surveillance footage captured a suspect behind the businesses just before the fire broke out.
Tacoma police said they don’t yet have enough information to link the July 20 suspect to any of last week’s fires, but they hope tips from the public will help determine if it’s the same suspect.
On Sunday, July 14, Tacoma Police and Fire responded to a structure fire on the 1100 block of Dock Street that resulted in a total loss of the structure.
Hours later, several more fires broke out, all on Puyallup Avenue, followed by two more fires Sunday night and early Monday morning in Fife. Tacoma police reported three fires on Puyallup Avenue, and Tacoma firefighters reported two fires.
Tacoma police provided the following times and locations for the fires:
- July 14, 1:27 a.m. – 1100 block of Dock Street, Tacoma
- 7:55 a.m. – 1200 block of Puyallup Avenue, Tacoma
- 7:45 p.m. – 5100 block of Pacific Highway East, Fife
- July 15, 2:34 a.m. – 5300 block of East 12th Street, Fife
No injuries were reported in any of the fires.
The Tacoma Police Department is increasing patrols throughout the city due to arson incidents.
“Enhanced patrols will focus on the individual or individuals involved in the recent series of arsons that damaged property and potentially endangered lives, as well as preventing any future incidents,” the police department said in a statement.
Anyone with information about the identity of the person(s) responsible for the fires is asked to contact Tacoma Police or leave a tip with Crime Stoppers using the P3tips app or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.
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