Olympia police have arrested an arson suspect who allegedly started a car fire while stealing gas in Tacoma after a tip from a community member helped police identify the man.
According to police, on Jan. 11, the suspect arrived in Tacoma on South 61st Street in a stolen red Ford F-150 and tried to steal gas from another car. He was smoking a cigarette while funneling the gas.
The gas caught fire and caused an explosion, destroying the victim’s vehicle and damaging the side of their house, according to Tacoma police.
The 30-year-old man was booked into the Pierce County Jail for investigation of first-degree arson, second-degree arson, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
On Jan. 23, a community member called in a tip identifying the suspect. Olympia police arrested the man two days later in a stolen car.