Investigators look for suspects in arson at University Place’s Kobayashi Park

Investigators say they think that an Aug. 30 fire inside a restroom at a University Place park was arson, and they’re asking for help to identify suspects.

Surveillance footage, from about 5 p.m., shows three men leaving the restroom at Kobayashi Park, near Chambers Creek Road West and 67th Avenue West, and then running.

The fire started shortly afterward.

The video also shows two of the men with a lighter, according to Tacoma-Piece County Crime Stoppers.

The fire caused about $15,000 in damage.

“Damage was enough that it will be a total gut and rebuild of that one restroom,” said Gary Cooper, UPs director of parks and recreation.

The city is waiting for its insurance company to process the claim. Once it does, the city will have the bathroom rebuilt.

“It's just a kick in the gut,” Cooper said of the damage.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips are anonymous and can lead to a reward.

This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Investigators look for suspects in arson at University Place’s Kobayashi Park."