‘How can I help you today?’: Tacoma suspect allegedly poses as bank worker, sets fire before arrest

Tacoma Police Department (TPD) officers had their hands full last week.

TPD released bodycam footage, via Facebook, of the arrest of a man who reportedly acted like he was “working” at a bank before setting the counter on fire.

Tacoma man allegedly threatens employees, tries to steal car

The incident began with a disturbance at a local department store, where TPD said the man set a fire, sprayed a fire extinguisher at surveillance cameras, stabbed a charging station, and threatened employees.

Officers reported that the man then tried to steal a nearby car.

“When that didn’t work, he decided he wanted to ‘work’ at a nearby bank on Union Street,” TPD wrote.

Once inside the bank, according to police, the man claimed to have a bomb that caused all the employees to run out of the bank and lock him inside.

Authorities arrived at the bank and as they approached the man, he reportedly looked up and asked, “How can I help you today?” before setting a fire on the counter.

Officers were able to take the man into custody. TPD said he was booked into the Pierce County Jail for multiple felony charges.

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