‘I am fine with getting even:’ Man charged with setting two vehicles on fire
An Eatonville man is accused of lighting two vehicles on fire because he was convinced the victim had stolen from him.
On Friday, the 44-year-old pleaded not guilty to first-degree arson and was ordered jailed in lieu of $35,000 bail.
Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Craig Adams ordered the man to move off the victims’ property and have no further contact with them.
Firefighters were called Thursday to the 41000 block of Ski Park Road East and found a 2019 Ford Expedition and 2014 Lincoln engulfed in flames.
After the owner realized his vehicles were on fire, he used a tractor to pull the burning vehicles away so the warehouse and home next to where they were parked wouldn’t catch fire.
Both vehicles were totaled with damages estimated at more than $60,000, according to charging papers.
Deputies found surveillance footage showing the suspect holding a cigarette next to the vehicles just before the fire starts, then walking into the defendant’s trailer.
“When viewing video, it is clear that a person matching the defendant’s description approached the vehicles and is holding a cigarette,” records say. “A moment later the vehicles burst into flames.”
Although the defendant initially denied knowledge of the fire, he changed his story after deputies showed him the video.
“Someone stole from me, I am fine with getting even,” he allegedly said.
He did not offer details about the alleged theft. He did allegedly admit to using 100 proof alcohol and a cigarette to light the fires.
This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 10:31 AM.
