BELLEVUE, Wash. — The suspect in a Bellevue apartment fire was ordered to be held on $250,000 bail in court on Wednesday.
The judge found probable cause to hold the suspect for arson in the first degree, domestic violence. The suspect was also ordered to have no contact with his father and surrender all weapons.
The suspect allegedly set a fire in a unit of a Bellevue apartment complex where he had barricaded himself inside. Bellevue police had initially responded to the complex for a report of a domestic disturbance between a father and his adult son, the suspect.
Police found probable cause to arrest the suspect for domestic violence in the fourth degree and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, but he refused to go with police, stacking furniture up against the windows and doors. The suspect was also linked to a robbery case a few hours before the fire, according to court documents.
Police and SWAT attempted to negotiate with the suspect for several hours when officers noticed signs of a fire coming from the apartment.
"Officers first reported smelling some smoke and then they actually saw some flames begin," said Major Dave Sanabria with the Bellevue Police Department.
Officers then breached a window and the front door to spray fire extinguishers into the apartment, but they weren't able to get in very far, Sanabria said. Officers ultimately had to back out of the apartment. At least one officer was treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was set in the bedroom of the apartment and spread to multiple other units and the roof, causing extensive damage.
Police believe the suspect started the fire deliberately. Smoke eventually ran the suspect out of the apartment and he surrendered to police. He was treated and then booked into jail.
Police and firefighters went door to door evacuating everyone else from the apartment complex.
The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Overlake Presbyterian Church at 1836 156th Avenue NE. According to the Disaster Action Team, 35 units are affected by the fire.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington.