1:08 PM: After hearing about an arson investigation regarding a fire call this morning near the Southwest Precinct, we asked police for information. They tell us a 46-year-old man was arrested, accused of setting a fire at an encampment across the street from the precinct. Police say an officer saw the suspect get out of what they describe as his “white 2006 Ford Econoline van” around 7:30 am, carrying a gas can, ten walking to the encampment, which “became engulfed in flames” as the suspect returned to his van. Police say the officer described the suspect as “walking out of the brush with smoke and fire trailing him.” They caught up with him after he drove away and arrested him and booked him into jail. No injuries were reported in the fire, which remains under investigation by SPD arson/bomb squad detectives.
SATURDAY UPDATE: The suspect had a probable-cause hearing today. The documents don’t reveal anything about an alleged motive; his “last known address” was downtown. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office requested bail be set at $100,000; the appearance-court judge released the suspect – who does not appear to have a record – on his own recognizance. That does not mean he won’t be charged; prosecutors are awaiting a case referral from SPD.
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