CRIME BLOTTER

Desmond Trufant suspects arson after fire damages his rental property in Tacoma

Oct 14, 2026, 2:03 PM | Updated: 3:50 pm

Desmond Trufant...

Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons enters the field prior to the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Carmen Mandato, Getty Images)

(Photo: Carmen Mandato, Getty Images)

The Tacoma Fire Department is working to determine what caused a house fire at the property of former NFL and University of Washington football player Desmond Trufant. He suspects arson.

The fire started Tuesday morning and quickly spread to the attic, causing significant smoke and water damage to Trufant’s rental property overlooking the Narrows Bridge.

Trufant told The Tacoma News Tribune why he thinks the fire was intentionally set.

“Gas was turned on at my property that I didn’t turn on or my property team didn’t turn on, as far as the barbecue grill and outdoor fire pits and stuff like that,” Trufant said.

Trufant’s rental property has drawn years of neighbor complaints

Neighbors have complained for years about the property, which can be rented for hosting events.

Trufant said he plans to restore the house.

“I think someone set the house on fire. It’s sad, but at the same time, I just want to let people know it’s not going to stop nothing. I’m going to remodel it. I’m going to upgrade it, and it’s going to be even more beautiful,” Trufant said.

The Tacoma Fire Department is investigating. So far, KIRO Newsradio has not been able to reach the department for comment.

Follow James Lynch on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.

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Desmond Trufant suspects arson after fire damages his rental property in Tacoma