Seattle police investigating arson at site of new juvenile detention center

SEATTLE — Seattle Police are investigating an arson at the site of the new juvenile detention center.

They found unexploded Molotov cocktails at the construction site in Seattle's Central District.

It happened at 3:30 a.m. in the morning near 13th and Remington.

It was discovered by an off-duty Seattle police officer working security for the construction site.

“He heard some thuds, he went to investigate and found there were some fires and broken glass on ground,” said Detective Patrick Michaud.

The arsonist apparently threw several incendiary devices over this fence. They landed inside near the portable trailers at the construction site.

There was no damage to the buildings because the officer was able to grab a fire extinguisher to put out the fires quickly. Responding officers also put out a fire on top of a construction trailer.

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The suspect got away and now SPD is poring through security camera video for clues,

“The suspects were able to throw the items and disappear before the officer could figure out exactly what was happening,” Michaud added.

Construction of the new juvenile detention center has been controversial. Numerous protests have been held at the site, including one in April where demonstrators chained themselves and blocked the entrance. Nine people were arrested then.

The group "No New Youth Jail" also shut down traffic in downtown Seattle in March. It is aiming to stop construction of the $200 million facility, arguing it is a violation of youth human rights and disproportionately houses people of color.

Construction work at the new youth jail went on as usual today despite the attempted early morning firebombing.

“It's a bit surprising,” said neighbor Michael Lewis.

Though police haven't said the arson is connected to the protests, Lewis is unsettled hearing of more problems at the facility.

“Throwing Molotovs seems like a pretty big escalation,” said Lewis.

SPD's arson and bomb squad is investigating.

Police are also hoping that neighbors come forward if their security cameras captured anything that could identify the suspects involved.

Cox Media Group