EVERETT — A high school student has been arrested for investigation of arson a week after a fire destroyed a bathroom at a north Everett park.
The student, 19, was booked into the Snohomish County Jail Friday.
Everett police Lt. Robert Goetz said the student checked himself out of classes at Everett High School on April 13 and stopped by the restroom at Wiggums Hollow Park, 2808 10th St., on his way home.
He told detectives he had been frustrated and lit some toilet paper on fire, Goetz said.
“He indicated he tried to put it out with water,” Goetz said.
It was too late.
By then, the fire was out of control.
“He got scared and left,” Goetz said.
The park includes a large playground and picnic area, a basketball court and a skate park.
The building, which had restrooms for men and women, was destroyed.
The suspect was booked for investigation of the most serious arson charge because women were using the restroom around the time the fire was started.
“They could have been overcome by smoke,” Goetz said.
There were no reported injuries.
Investigators identified the suspect through video surveillance at the park.
The footage showed a young man with a backpack leaving the area.
The video images led a detective to believe whoever set the fire might be a student.
A photo of the suspect was taken to Everett High School.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com
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