Suspects accidentally light themselves on fire while allegedly trying to steal fuel from box trucks in SODO

Two suspects accidentally set themselves on fire while they appeared to be trying to steal fuel from box trucks in the SODO neighborhood.

Multiple people called 911 around 1:30 a.m. Friday after seeing several box trucks on fire near the 3400 block of 1st Ave. S, according to the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

Firefighters and police officers responded to the scene. Officers spoke to a witness who told them he saw a man near where the fire was lit shortly before it happened.

Officers found a 37-year-old man close to a rental truck lot fence and detained him.

“They noticed he had the strong smell of smoke on him and was in possession of a lighter,” SPD wrote in its blotter post. “The witness positively identified the man as the same person he saw leaving the lot before the fire.”

Police put the man under arrest for felony property damage since the total damage to the three rental trucks was around $150,000.

37-year-old man released, police looking for suspects in box truck fire

Arson and Bomb Squad detectives reviewed security footage and learned there was more to the story.

The footage showed a vehicle arrive with two suspects inside. They appeared to be trying to steal fuel from the box trucks when the fire ignited. It engulfed the suspects and their vehicle, according to SPD.

They got in their vehicle and drove out of the flames onto 1st Ave. S.

The vehicle involved in a box truck fire in SODO. (Photo courtesy of SPD)

Detectives released the 37-year-old man from jail Friday morning after determining he was not involved in setting the fire.

SPD is looking for the suspects. They believe one may have a possible heat injury or singed hair and eyebrows.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.