Today, members of the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, held a press conference detailing the early morning arrest of a suspect in connection with the recent spree of arson fires in the Greenwood neighborhood.
Early this morning a fire erupted at a warehouse in Shoreline. Members of the Seattle Police and Fire Arson Task Force responded to that location and spotted an individual who was believed to be a person of interest in the Greenwood arson investigations.
Suspect Kevin Todd Swalwell, a 46-year-old male, has since been taken into custody. He was interviewed by detectives and booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Arson.
“This was a joint effort by SPD detectives, Seattle Fire and ATF,” said Chief Dean of Seattle Fire. “This is great news for everyone concerned. I’m confident that the community will be able to rest easier now,” Seattle Police Chief Diaz said.
“Protecting the citizens of our community is and always has been the priority of every agency here today,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelvin Crenshaw.
Detectives believe that this individual may be responsible for some if not all of the Greenwood Arsons. Detectives are uncertain whether or not any additional suspects are connected to these crimes. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Arson Patrols will continue until detectives are confident that these cases have been resolved. In the meantime, Seattle Police and Fire ask for your continued vigilance. If you see something, say something: report suspicious activity to 911.
Anyone with information regarding the Greenwood Arsons is asked to call the tip line at 1800-55-ARSON.