Seattle tourist ‘Duck’ rides roll despite arson; employee arrested for arson investigation

Seattle tourist ‘Duck’ rides roll despite arson

SEATTLE — Seattle tourists can “Ride The Ducks” Tuesday, despite a fire at the business near the Space Needle where guides offer land and water tours of the city in amphibious vehicles.

Shortly before 1 a.m. firefighters put out the fire in a second-floor office. Damage is estimated at $70,000.

Police arrested a 50-year-old man for investigation of arson.

Police say he’s an employee of the business who admitted setting the fire. He told police he had been chased by two men from his apartment. He says he took shelter in the office where they cut the phone line and attempted to break in. He says he set the fire to set off an alarm to bring help.

Police say the phone line was not cut. They say drugs may be a factor in the case.