Arrest warrant had been out for suspect in Bellevue mosque fire
A homeless man with a history of mental illness and damaging property is suspected of setting fire to a Bellevue mosque over the weekend, police said Sunday.
Bellevue police confirmed that the blaze at the Islamic Center of Eastside was set intentionally and arrested the suspect on suspicion of arson and an unrelated outstanding warrant. The early-morning fire did not injure anyone, but it destroyed the north side of the mosque. Authorities previously said there was no evidence of a hate crime.
The Seattle Times generally does not name suspects who haven’t been charged with a crime. Bellevue police have sent their report to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges.
In July, the suspect disrupted prayers at the mosque by “yelling ‘wildly’ and waving his arms,” court records show, and had an altercation with members of the congregation who escorted him out. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct.
Read more: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/arrest-warrant-had-been-out-for-suspect-in-mosque-fire/
