Tacoma arsons on the rise, police increasing patrols

Tacoma Police look to identify suspected arsonist after building fire

The Tacoma Police Department released images of person suspected of causing a building fire that broke out Saturday morning.

TACOMA, Wash. - Tacoma Police say they are upping their patrols after an increasing trend of suspected arson fires in the city.

The latest fire, discovered at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday morning, was determined to be intentional.

Now, police are asking area residents for help identifying the person shown behind the business immediately before the fire broke out in the 600 block of East 26th Street.

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via Tacoma Police Department

FOX 13 spoke to the building’s owner, Odette D’Aniello.

"I’m pretty annoyed and angry, mainly because we do all we can to help the community," said D’Aniello. "We are trying to make the city amazing, but then there are people who are not community-minded as they set buildings on fire."

She’s calling on the city to help keep its residents safe.

"Our actions impact each other," she said. "When you understand that, then you make better choices, but obviously there’s this thread of lawlessness and it’s all about me, me, me, me."

TPD released a statement Saturday confirming they would begin staffing emphasis patrols throughout the city.

"The safety and security of community members and businesses in Tacoma are of paramount concern to the Tacoma Police Department. The emphasis patrols will focus on the individual or individuals involved in the recent rash of arsons that have damaged property, and had the potential to endanger lives, as well as prevent any further incidents," Tacoma Police said.

Anyone with information that may lead to the identification of the person or persons responsible for these fires is asked to contact Tacoma Police or leave a tip with Crime Stoppers using the P3tips app or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.