TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma police are investigating a fire at a multi-million-dollar property owned by former NFL player and Washington Huskies player Desmond Trufant as arson, after fire investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. The property is used as an event space for weddings and other celebrations.
Neighbors said they woke up to sirens and heavy smoke as the fire burned early Tuesday.
“As soon as we walked out the front door, we see all of this black smoke,” neighbor Iaunia Taylor said.
Another neighbor, identified as Ivn, said the fire appeared to grow quickly.
“I came and I looked and was like, ‘Oh, it is on fire! Hey, call the fire department,’” Ivn said.
Neighbors worried the flames could spread to surrounding homes.
“It was, like, small, but it grew really fast,” Ivn said.
Taylor said the fire’s proximity to neighboring properties was frightening.
“That’s why we were nervous, because our neighbors are right in front of that house,” Taylor said. “So, we were just like, ‘Oh my God, we hope everybody is safe.’”
Less than 24 hours after the fire, the Tacoma Fire Department determined the fire had been intentionally set, prompting Tacoma police to investigate it as arson.
Tacoma police said they have potential video of the suspect they are searching for.
Trufant also told police that someone turned on the gas at the property the day before the fire, according to the Tacoma Police Department. Investigators are looking into whether that incident is connected to the fire.
The possible arson did not surprise some neighbors.
“You can come up with 9,000 clues and you don’t know which one,” Ivn said. “But obviously, we all agree that somebody deliberately did this.”
Aerial video of the property showed heavy fire damage to one side of the building.
The damage could also disrupt future events planned at the property. Ivn said his family had considered renting the space for his daughter’s upcoming wedding.
“We were actually going to rent it out for my daughter. She’s getting married soon,” Ivn said. “So, they were thinking about renting this out. But now, we hear he’s gotta remodel it. So, I don’t know if it will be ready in time.”
Police have not said what may have motivated the arson.
Taylor said the fire also put nearby homeowners and their properties at risk.
“It’s not fair to all the other people that are homeowners around here trying to make sure to protect their investments,” Taylor said.