Seattle police arrested a 29-year-old man early Tuesday morning after he allegedly set a recycling dumpster on fire beneath an occupied apartment building and assaulted officers during his arrest in the First Hill neighborhood.
According to police, officers responded to an arson report at approximately 1:26 a.m. Tuesday after receiving calls that a suspect had set a fence and a recycling dumpster on fire near the 600 block of 9th Avenue.
The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) arrived on scene and extinguished a fire involving a recycling dumpster located on the east sidewalk. Officers observed extensive fire damage, including melted dumpster lids and burned contents. Firefighters told officers they moved the dumpster away from a carport attached to an occupied apartment building to prevent the flames from spreading.
A witness reported seeing the suspect earlier going through the recycling dumpster using a long fluorescent tube light. The witness later returned to find the dumpster smoking and on fire. Firefighters stated the suspect at the scene matched the witness’s description.
Officers located the suspect approximately a block away near 800 Jefferson Street, still carrying a fluorescent tube light. When officers attempted to take him into custody, police say the suspect resisted arrest and struck officers before being restrained.
SFD investigators determined the fire was intentionally set beneath apartment units with vehicles parked nearby, noting the building could have easily caught fire due to the absence of a sprinkler system near the dumpster.
During the investigation, officers recovered a backpack the suspect had discarded nearby. A search of the bag reportedly revealed lighters and hairspray, which police believe were used to start the fire.
The suspect was transported to the East Precinct and later booked into the King County Jail for investigation of arson, assault, and additional related charges.
Incident Numbers: 2025-374084 & 2025-374092 / East Precinct / E3
Man Arrested for Arson and Assaulting Officers https://t.co/edvvKCkPfg
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) December 23, 2025
