Police asking for help in identifying man who started fire outside East Precinct

SEATTLE — Investigators with the Seattle Police Department are asking for help to identify a man suspected of setting a fire outside the East Precinct early Friday.

Police said the man was wearing a bright green or yellow sweatshirt, black pants and white tennis shoes. He was carrying a red container and was seen walking up the east side of the building just before 3 a.m.

The man appeared to pour liquid from the can along the exterior of the wall and then left, police said.

Moments later, the man returned and lit something in his hand and dropped it, which caused the wall and sidewalk to catch fire.

The man left and people who were nearby rushed to put out the fire before it spread to the rest of the building and nearby tents.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to call 206-233-5000.

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