Van Explodes in Wash. Police Parking Lot; Suspect Arrested

A 35‑year‑old man was arrested on arson charges after a van driven into the Everett Police Department parking lot caught fire and exploded.
Source Officer.com News
May 6, 2026
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What to know

  • A 35‑year‑old man is accused of driving a van into the Everett Police Department parking lot Tuesday night, where the vehicle later exploded.
  • Officers say the man exited the van before it caught fire and exploded; no injuries were reported.
  • Investigators arrested the suspect on arson charges and said the explosion appears to have been caused by fire‑related pressure inside the vehicle, though the motive remains unclear.
Everett, WA, Police Department
Van explodes in Everett police parking lot

An explosion struck the Everett Police Department parking lot after a van exploded and caught fire Tuesday, leading to an arrest.

A man is accused of driving a van into a Washington police department parking lot Tuesday, where the vehicle exploded.

The incident happened at around 9:15 p.m. when a white van entered a parking lot for the Everett Police Department, the agency stated in a news release, which included photos and videos. Officers nearby then heard an explosion and saw the van engulfed in flames.

Police apprehended a 35-year-old man who allegedly had exited the van before it exploded. Firefighters extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported.

The suspect was booked into Snohomish County Jail for arson in the 1st degree, as investigators look into the case.

"The motive behind this incident is still unknown," the department stated. "At this time, the explosion is believed to have been the result of the fire over-pressuring the vehicle’s seals, causing them to rupture."

The department has asked the public for any information as the investigation continues.

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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