Man arrested for arson after driving exploding van into Everett Police parking lot

A man is accused of intentionally setting his own van on fire outside an Everett police precinct Tuesday night, triggering an explosion that authorities say posed a significant danger to officers and the public.

The EPD said the incident happened at about 9:15 p.m. at the South Precinct, 1121 SE Everett Mall Way.

An officer on patrol reported seeing a white Ford Transit van enter the lot and park in a restricted area about 20 to 30 yards from his vehicle. Moments later, the officer heard an explosion and saw the van engulfed in flames.

The driver was seen walking away from the burning van toward the officer. When the officer called out to him, the man did not respond but then stopped, raised his hands, and lay on the ground in what police described as an apparent act of surrender. No other people were seen near the vehicle.

The man was detained at the scene, and a lighter was found on him, according to the affidavit.

Read more: KOMO