‘How can I help you today?’: Tacoma suspect allegedly poses as bank worker, sets fire before arrest
Apr 18, 2025, 4:30 PM
Tacoma officers arrest a man. (Photo courtesy of the Tacoma Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Tacoma Police Department)
Tacoma Police Department (TPD) officers had their hands full last week.
TPD released bodycam footage, , of the arrest of a man who reportedly acted like he was “working” at a bank before setting the counter on fire.
Tacoma man allegedly threatens employees, tries to steal car
The incident began with a disturbance at a local department store, where TPD said the man set a fire, sprayed a fire extinguisher at surveillance cameras, stabbed a charging station, and threatened employees.
Officers reported that the man then tried to steal a nearby car.
“When that didn鈥檛 work, he decided he wanted to ‘work’ at a nearby bank on Union Street,” TPD wrote.
Once inside the bank, according to police, the man claimed to have a bomb that caused all the employees to run out of the bank and lock him inside.
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Authorities arrived at the bank and as they approached the man, he reportedly looked up and asked, “How can I help you today?” before setting a fire on the counter.
Officers were able to take the man into custody. TPD said he was booked into the Pierce County Jail for multiple felony charges.
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