Van explodes in Everett police parking lot; man arrested

A man was accused of arson and arrested Tuesday night after his van exploded into flames in the Everett Police Department's South Precinct parking lot, police say.

Around 9:15 p.m., the white van was driven into the parking lot at 1121 Southeast Everett Mall Way just before officers nearby heard an explosion, police said.

Officers found the van engulfed in flames and the driver walking outside, said spokesperson Natalie Given. Police then arrested the 35-year-old man on suspicion of first degree arson.

Police believe the explosion happened because a fire lit inside the van over-pressured the van's seals, causing them to rupture, not because there was an explosive device, Given said.

The man's motive is not yet known, police say.

The fire was put out by the Everett Fire Department.

Police are asking anyone with information about the fire to call the Everett police tip line at 425-257-8450 or Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 800-222-8477.

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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 4:48 PM.