RUSTON POLICE SEEK PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ON RECENT ARSONS
Residents asked to keep a look out and fireproof their property
The North End of Tacoma has been experiencing a rash of intentionally-set fires, with nine fires set in the area last night. One of these arson fires occurred in Ruston. This makes two fires in Ruston in the last week. One other fire occurred Sunday night, but fire investigators have declared that fire to be by unintentional means.
The Ruston Police and Fire Departments will be boosting nighttime patrol shifts by 100-300% for the foreseeable future, and will also be using technology to monitor movements in total darkness, including using two heat-detecting thermal devices which see potential problems before it becomes visible to the human eye.
Arsons in Tacoma increased by 82% in 2021 and the Ruston Police Department is sharing information with Tacoma investigators, including agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (Explosives), called the BATFE to help solves these cases.
The City of Ruston is asking all residents to call 911 immediately if they encounter suspicious activity. Police officers will respond and make contact with anyone reported. People walking at night may be contacted for general welfare purposes.
Ruston is also asking its residents and businesses to check any surveillance cameras they may have such as Ring or others to see if the device captured any movements by people the night of January 25th and to share that footage with the Ruston Police Department.
In the meantime, Ruston is requesting its residents and businesses clear outdoor areas of any combustibles such as wood, plastics, papers, and any flammable liquids and to also leave on exterior and some interior lights. This may be protective as the arson incidents have targeted darkened spaces.
For more information, please contact the Ruston Police Department at (253) 761-0272 or police@rustonwa.org. However, if you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.