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Arsonist Caught After Foot Pursuit Through Green Lake Park

Officers arrested a man in the Green Lake neighborhood early Tuesday after he set at least eight fires in North Seattle.

Around 5:30 AM, numerous witnesses called 911 to report fires in the neighborhoods surrounding Green Lake. The first fire was set outside a Phinney Ridge home, where a small pile of leaves was set ablaze.  The flames were quickly extinguished but not before the home’s fence was damaged.  A second fire destroyed a shed and scorched a Wallingford home. Four additional fires were set around Green Lake Park, damaging trees and a nearby outhouse.  Officers worked with the property owners and were able to view surveillance video to develop a suspect description.

Officers spotted the suspect in Green Lake Park just before 7 AM and, after a brief foot pursuit, took the 34-year-old man into custody. Officers searched the area for any additional evidence and located another three sites that had been prepped for burning. Police interrupted the suspect before he could set additional fires.

Arson detectives interviewed the suspect before officers booked him into King County Jail for investigation of arson, burglary, and a felony warrant. Police are requesting additional charges for reckless burning.