After getting eviction notice, man reportedly sets 2 fires at Bellingham apartment complex
After receiving an eviction notice from the 22 North downtown apartment complex, a Bellingham man reportedly put the notice in a pizza box, set both on fire and tossed them in a room next to his apartment. Eight days later, the same man is suspected of lighting a fire in a dumpster just outside the apartment complex.
Bellingham Police booked Samuel Isaiah Russell, 23, into Whatcom County Jail Wednesday, Aug. 10, on suspicion of first-degree arson and reckless burning. Jail records show he was released on personal recognizance later Wednesday.
Police spoke to the Opportunity Council that, along with Northwest Youth Services, operates the 22 North apartment complex for young adults experiencing homelessness, about the alleged incident, which occurred July 16, according to Whatcom County Superior Court documents.
The Opportunity Council reported that it had sent Russell a notice of eviction “for a list of reasons,” documents state, and on the night of July 16, Russell put the eviction notice in a pizza box and lit it on fire. Russell then reportedly placed the smoldering pizza box on top of a trash can in a third-floor room adjacent to his apartment.
The smoldering box created smoke that alerted other residents and staff, and a staff member located the box, removed it and dumped water on it, documents state.
Surveillance video at the complex showed Russell exiting his room with the smoldering pizza box and putting it in the adjoining room before leaving, according to documents.
The Opportunity Council also reported that a security guard at a neighboring business to 22 North reported seeing Russel light a fire in a dumpster that was against the apartment complex at approximately 10:30 a.m. July 24, documents state.
