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Suspect Tries to Torch Car With Man Inside

Police are looking for a suspect who tried to torch a car and its driver Tuesday in the University District.

Around 3:45 pm on September 18th, the victim walked out into the alley behind his home—near NE 47th Street and 15th Avenue NE—and got into his car.

As the victim was sitting in his car, a man—described as a white male, 30-40 years old, 6’0, 180 pounds, clean shaven, with dark hair, wearing a yellow button-up shirt, khaki shorts, a backpack and a black baseball cap—walked up behind the victim’s car, pulled out a can of lighter fluid, and sprayed it on the back of the car.

The suspect then lit a match and threw it on the victim’s car. Luckily, the lighter fluid didn’t ignite.

The victim got out of his car and confronted the suspect, who mumbled something about a “barbecue” and walked away.

The victim called 911 and reported the incident, but officers weren’t able to find the suspect.

If you have any information about the suspect, please contact SPD’s Arson/Bomb Squad at 206-684-8980.