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Man accused of throwing firebomb into ex-girlfriend's apartment

The King County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a suspect who was caught on surveillance camera setting fire to his ex-girlfriends Des Moines apartment using a makeshift firebomb, investigators said. Two young children were inside the home and investigators said the fire put numerous people in danger.

Edward Leaander Holmes, 35, is wanted for first degree arson for the Oct. 2 incident.

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The Sheriff’s Office says, Holmes cut the gas line of his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle while she was sleeping early Thursday morning.

He syphoned enough gasoline out of her car to fill a water bottle, investigators said. His ex-girlfriend told deputies, she walked to the gas station when her car wouldn't start.

That’s when surveillance cameras captured Holmes walking into the complex. Minutes later, the video shows a flash and an explosion as Holmes runs out the door.

His own, ages 4 and 5, were inside the apartment when he threw the firebomb, according to Sgt. Cindi West.

“He could have burned that building down, quickly killing his ex, the kids and anybody else who was in that complex as a tenant,” she said. “Our big goal right now is to get this guy off the street and get him behind bars because we want that family and his ex to feel safe.”

Investigators are worried about what else the suspect is capable of doing.

“You can't blame her for being in fear,” West said. “This is the type of stuff you see in TV shows.”

The woman told the Sheriff's Office she saw Holmes about a block away from the complex throwing a water bottle away in a trash can. Investigators later found the water bottle.

Anyone with information on Holmes’ whereabouts is urged to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311.