The Shoreline Fire Marshal’s office is asking residents and businesses to watch for suspicious activity in the wake of an arson fire this week at Romio’s Pizza on 15^th Avenue Northeast.

The fire, which broke out early Monday morning, totally destroyed the pizza restaurant, with losses exceeding one million dollars.  The King County Fire Investigation Unit and Shoreline Fire Department determined the blaze was deliberately set.  Up to $10,000 in reward money is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson fire.

A second, possibly suspicious incident has since been reported in the 15^th Avenue Northeast section of Shoreline.  

That event was reported today at 10:00 a.m.  The incident involved an accelerant spill found near an espresso stand.  The incident is one block from the Romio’s fire at 14615 15^th Avenue NE.

“We have no information as yet that links these incidents, said Shoreline Fire Marshal Mark Bunje.  “However, it is only prudent to alert local residents and businesses and to ask them to be observant about suspicious or unusual activity in the area.”   Bunje added that if something unusual is discovered, do not attempt to clean it up or disturb it in any way.

Shoreline Fire is asking business owners and residents in the area of 15^th Northeast between 145^th and 180^th to report any unusual activity immediately.  Also, keep exterior lights on when possible and inspect premises for debris, tampering, and vandalism each day.

April 25th, 2007