On April 12th, at approximately 10:40 PM, West Precinct officers responded to a 911 call of an arson in progress in the 100 Block of Taylor Avenue North. The caller stated that a man was observed setting a fire in a recessed alcove of a building. The caller gave a detailed description of the suspect, and stated that it appeared he was throwing material onto the fire to make it bigger. Seattle Fire Department also responded and was able to extinguish the fire very quickly. Because of their quick response, there was very little damage to the building.
Officers arrived and observed a man matching the physical description of the suspect watching the fire. Officers approached the man and began talking to him. The suspect admitted to throwing material onto the fire. At that point, the suspect was arrested advised of his rights. He was transported to the West Precinct where he later admitted to detectives that he started the fire. The 38 year old transient male was later booked into the King County Jail for Reckless Burning.