Police arrest suspect in downtown Arlington fire

Published 1:30 am Thursday, October 27, 2016

ARLINGTON — Arlington police on Thursday arrested a woman suspected of starting a fire that destroyed one of the city’s oldest downtown buildings.

Monday’s blaze gutted 2 Bits and More, an indoor flea market and thrift shop. The building on North Olympic Avenue dates back to 1901 and has been remodeled many times. No one was injured in the blaze.

Police and firefighters discovered that a small area in the back of the store had been converted into an apartment. Detectives later interviewed the tenant, who told them that he and his estranged wife had argued earlier in the evening.

They parted ways, but 15 minutes later she allegedly called him and threatened to burn down his apartment, city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said. He was not home at the time.

Her distinct vehicle was seen in the alley behind the store just prior to the fire. She stayed for about five minutes before driving off, according to police reports. Flames were discovered moments later, Banfield said.

Police and firefighters “had suspicions the first night,” she said.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined that the fire had been intentionally set. Banfield didn’t know Thursday what was used to start the fire.

The Arlington woman was expected to be booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of first-degree domestic violence arson. She likely will make a court appearance Friday afternoon.

Banfield said the apartment was not permitted by the city.

The store is a complete loss, Mayor Barbara Tolbert said in a written statement. The building and its contents were estimated at a loss of $465,000, Banfield said.

The neighboring buildings, Bistro San Martin and Quick Stop, had minor smoke damage. Quick Stop opened as usual Tuesday morning and the bistro also was set to reopen, Tolbert said.

“For those of you, and there have been many, that have asked me what you can do to help, I urge you to keep visiting and buying from our local downtown merchants and restaurants,” she said.

Shop owner Dawn Ambler is overwhelmed with talking to vendors and insurance representatives along with other obligations after the fire, daughter Dallas said in a Facebook message.

She has insurance on the building but it doesn’t cover any of her or her vendor’s merchandise. A fundraiser to help with costs that aren’t covered by insurance is tentatively planned at Krosswalk Pub and Pizza in Arlington on Nov. 12. Ambler is grateful to the first responders for their quick work preventing the spread of the fire, her daughter said.

“We really appreciate the love and concern that has been expressed by many members of the community,” she said. “Thank you.”

Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.