What happened: On August 4 in Port Orchard, a 47-year-old man reportedly drove a golf cart to a home, used a torch and an apparent spray accelerant to set the garage on fire, then fled toward a neighbor who confronted him. The homeowner escaped unharmed.
Damage & outcome: Officials estimate $150,000–$175,000 in structural damage and a destroyed vehicle valued at about $25,000. The suspect was arrested and faces first-degree arson and second-degree assault charges; motive remains unknown.
Kitsap County deputies say a bizarre and dangerous incident unfolded on a quiet Port Orchard street on August 4, and much of it was captured on a home security camera.
According to the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, a 47-year-old man arrived at a residence driving a golf cart with a dog as a passenger. Deputies say he walked up to the home's garage carrying a torch and what investigators believe was a spray accelerant, then ignited the garage door frame.
Video footage reportedly shows the suspect lighting the door directly; within minutes the flames had grown into a fully involved blaze. The homeowner was inside at the time but was unaware of the fire and escaped the house unharmed.
Authorities estimate the structural damage at between $150,000 and $175,000. A vehicle parked in the garage was destroyed; officials put its value at roughly $25,000. Neighbors and first responders contained the blaze before it spread to neighboring homes.
A neighbor who witnessed the fire confronted the suspect at the scene. Deputies say the man claimed he was with the fire department despite holding a lit torch. When the neighbor pressed for answers, the suspect allegedly tried to run him over with the golf cart before law enforcement arrived and took the man into custody.
The suspect is charged with first-degree arson and second-degree assault, both felonies under Washington law. Investigators have not released a clear motive, and the homeowner says he did not know the suspect. The case remains under investigation.
Note: Officials emphasize that while community vigilance helped lead to a quick arrest, residents should prioritize safety and call authorities rather than placing themselves in harm's way.
Beyond the odd detail of a golf cart being involved, deputies stress this was a serious and potentially lethal incident that could have had far worse consequences for the homeowner, the neighbor who intervened and surrounding properties.
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