SEATTLE — Seattle police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of setting a fire inside a Seattle auto repair shop, causing an estimated $250,000 in damage.
Surveillance video from Ant’s Community Garage, a do-it-yourself auto repair shop, shows a man entering the business around 2 p.m. on July 28, carrying what appears to be a large water bottle. The shop’s owner believes the container was filled with gasoline.
Less than a minute later, surveillance video shows the man running out of the building as flames erupt behind him.
The owner told KIRO 7 about a dozen people were inside at the time and every repair bay was occupied.
An employee spotted the flames and began rushing customers out of the building. No injuries were reported.
The man escaped and has not been located.
Investigators are also looking for a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident.
Additional surveillance video captured the man about a block from the shop, where he was seen parking a white SUV before walking toward Ant’s Community Garage. Video later shows him running back to the vehicle and driving away.
Police identified the SUV as a white 2019 or 2020 Hyundai Tucson without license plates.
Anyone who recognizes the man or has information about the vehicle is asked to contact Seattle Police.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 206-233-5000.
Tips may also be texted to 274637, by typing “TIP486” in the message body, followed by the information you’d like to report.
The owner estimates the fire caused about $250,000 in damage to the shop. While the business has insurance, the owner expects significant expenses that will not be covered by its policy.
A GoFundMe has been created to help Ant’s Community Garage pay for repairs and other costs related to the fire.
©2026 Cox Media Group
