Arson in Seattle
A convenience store burns. It is owned by someone from the Middle East. The fire is of suspicious nature. And more:
bq. In addition, white crosses and an anti-Arab message were found spray-painted inside
Turns out to be a bit different from the mental picture you are painting now.
As
KOMO reports:
bq. The owner of an ethnic grocery store that burned in a July 9 arson has been arrested, accused of torching the business himself, a police spokesman said Thursday.
bq. Mirza Akram, 37, of Everett, was arrested for investigation of arson by investigators from Everett police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
bq. Investigators found a gas can and incendiary device inside the Continental Spices Cash and Carry store. In addition, white crosses and an anti-Arab message were found spray-painted inside, which initially led investigators to consider whether the fire was a hate crime.
bq. However, the agencies said in a news release that investigators learned Akram allegedly was having financial difficulties with the business. They allege he burned the business to eliminate the losses and potentially recover money through an insurance claim. They allege Akram and an associate set the fire.
Sheesh - the guy could have done the old 'faulty wiring' and gotten the insurance. To fake a hate crime in these times is unthinkable especially when you have personally made the effort to move to this nation to get away from the global area that is sponsoring most of the terrorism these days... (except for two brand-new nations and one 50-year-old democracy)
Posted by DaveH at August 20, 2004 10:05 PM