Youth jail construction site hit with arson attack in Seattle

Seattle police are investigating an arson attack at the construction site of a new youth jail after molotov cocktails were thrown onto the property early Tuesday morning.

Detectives are “poring over the evidence,” according to the Seattle Police Department.

RELATED: Protester explains opposition to new youth jail in Seattle

SPD says an officer heard a noise inside the construction site in the 1300 block of Remington Court at around 3:30 a.m. The officer was working security for the fenced-off property. Upon further inspection, he found small fires set throughout the site along with shattered glass bottles.

The Capitol Hill Blog reports at least four bottles were thrown onto the property. No structures or equipment were damaged.

The officer was able to put out the fires, along with other responding police. Another fire was set on top of an office trailer.

Police are asking for information into the arson from the public. Anyone with information or tips can call 206-684-8980.

The youth jail project has been a controversial issue in Seattle. The No New Youth Jail Coalition is organized against the project. Multiple protests have been staged. One protest blocked off traffic for hours in downtown Seattle in March — no one was arrested. Protesters have also chained themselves across the entrance to the site. On April 20, nine people were arrested — including clergy members — who trespassed on the construction site.

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