Man accused of lighting Lacey hotel room on fire

Lacey police arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of first-degree arson Friday afternoon after he allegedly lit a fire in his room at the Quality Inn on College Street.

Firefighters responded to the Quality Inn in the 100 block of College Street about 4 p.m. Friday on a report of a fire. The fire originated in the room's bathroom, where two items had been intentionally lit on fire, according to a news release.

The hotel's sprinkler system extinguished the fire. Lacey police were dispatched to the scene and found evidence that the room's smoke alarm had been removed. No one was in the hotel room at the time. Police identified the registered guest assigned to the room and learned he had an outstanding arrest warrant.

Officers located an individual hiding in some bushes behind the hotel, and he was identified as the person registered to the room where the fire occurred. He was taken into custody on his outstanding warrant and booked into the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson.

Jeremy Pawloski: 360-754-5445 jpawloski@theolympian.com