Arrest made in arson at Islamic Center of Tacoma
A suspect wanted in connection with the Oct. 11 arson at the Islamic Center of Tacoma that rendered the building unusable was arrested Tuesday by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
The suspect, a University Place resident, was identified through tips from the public and the department’s arson investigator, said Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Darren Moss.
Detectives searched the residence of the 38-year-old suspect Tuesday, Moss said.
Witnesses who saw the suspect at the mosque on Oct. 11 said he was the same person seen earlier that evening at a drug store at Bridgeport Way West and 27th Street West in University Place. They identified him through a Crime Stoppers bulletin.
The suspect was booked into the Pierce County Jail for investigation of first-degree arson.
Police and fire crews responded to the fire at the Islamic Center shortly after 8 p.m. Two people were inside the building when the fire began but were able to get out. No one was injured.
Since the fire, a fundraiser has raised $330,000 to help rebuild.
Gov. Jay Inslee visited the mosque to meet with community leaders and denounce the fire.
“The Muslim community’s resilience and faith continues to shine, and we stand in solidarity, as an attack on one is an attack on all,” Inslee said.
