3:41 AM: If you’ve been awakened by a big fire response in North Delridge – it was a dispatch for a possible house fire in the 4700 block of 26th SW (map). However, radio communication indicates it was a “porch fire,” and that police put it out before firefighters even got there. Most SFD units are being canceled.
4:14 AM UPDATE: But now there’s more to the story: This is a suspected case of arson, and at least one person is in custody. (More in comments.)
I live on Delridge in the Youngstown neighborhood and had to call the police on a group of teenagers roaming around vandalizing property shortly before this happened. I witnessed them break into an abandoned home after I was awoke from them yelling, jumping on the hood of a car, and knocking down garbage cans. There were many in the group but the police only caught the two in the house as far as I can tell. I don’t even know if they took them in. I bet it’s the same group thy started this porch fire.
Do you know if the two “suspects” that broke into the house were taken in?
One person was arrested. I don’t know on suspicion of what. Either this will make SPD Blotter later, or I’ll get the report in a couple hours when Media Relations is in. Or maybe both. If you (or anyone reading this) happens to have a photo from fire or police response … we’d love to add it.
I am the one who initially called SPD about active prowling with two males walking in and out of my neighbor/s driveways. I informed dispatch about what was happening and a description. I went back out to investigate and heard glass breaking and then SPD showed up, one officer stopped to talk to me and get a description when SFD started showing up enmasse. The fire was started at a double lot under construction with the front door burned and some interior drywall singed, damage is minimal and can be repaired. I gave a video statement to SPD and also questioned about other activity in the area recently. I was informed that one 14 y/o from Tacoma was arrested and is facing 1st degree arson charges… It will be up to the prosecutor if I will be asked to come to trial if it even gets that far… Just want to let my neighbors in the 4700 block of 26th SW know that you have an awesome neighbor looking out for you….
~PK
Thank you, Patrick! We live a block south and I heard the fire engines and loud voices about an hour later. I was wondering what was going on, but did not have the energy to get up. :). Next time I will drag my butt out of bed. Thank goodness those under construction houses did not suffer more damage. The builder owes you a huge debt of gratitude! We have a few empty houses currently on our block and I think we should all be vigilant to make sure nothing sketchy is going on. Sad also that this was a 14 year old wandering around in the middle of the night and vandalizing. Glad he was caught.
Thanks to Terry, too, for calling the police on those kids. Not ok to be vandalizing people’s property! Makes me really mad and I hope they get a little reality check for their actions! Maybe outhouse cleaning crew at the local parks for the next 5 years? Something creative and gross.
Thanks PK! We live next door to the houses under construction and really, really appreciate your watchful eye.
This is yet another example of West Seattle Neighbors being vigilant, and taking action that prevented an incident from potentially becoming much worse.
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Bonus points considering the time of night this happened, and those Neighbors being Night Owls, or easily awakened. ;-)
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Mike
Thanks Patrick! We also live near where this happened and appreciate your watchfulness and keeping the neighborhood safe.
Thanks Patrick! I was looking out the window wondering if you were having a heart attack on the porch or something. Glad i read this.
THANKS PK! I’m the builder who’s homes were vandalized, and I greatly appreciate your attentiveness and willingness to be involved. Fortunately they did little serious damage but it could have been much worse.
I owe you. . .
Thanks, PK! We live on the block as well and appreciate your diligence! I heard the sirens and trucks but didn’t realize whatever was happening was quite as close as it was.
Jon I really hope that you press charges.
I saw these “kids” in action while I was on the phone with 911. I fully believe that they would have hurt someone if a person was unlucky enough to be walking in the neighborhood at the time they were passing through creating havoc. It was not a look of innocent mischief in their eyes
Sorry, comment time is over.
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