Arson suspect wanted in Lake Goodwin Park fire

STANWOOD — Authorities are searching for a suspect in the July 26 fire at Lake Goodwin Community Park and are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the successful prosecution of a suspect or suspects.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the fire as arson, and damage to the large playground structure that appears to have been intentionally set on fire that morning is estimated to be as much as $100,000.

The Marysville Fire District responded to a 6:30 a.m. report of the fire with a single unit, which extinguished the flames that not only engulfed a large portion of the wood, plastic and metal play structure, but also sparked a blaze in the bark underneath the playground equipment.

"With budgets as tight as they are, it will be difficult to replace the damaged equipment," Snohomish County Parks Director Tom Teigen said.

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon called the destruction of county parks equipment an offense against taxpayers and local families. He urged anyone with information about the suspects to contact local law enforcement so whomever is responsible may be prosecuted.

"This is undeniably a malicious crime that hurts the community members who use this park," Reardon said. "The person or persons should be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows."

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the successful prosecution of a suspect or suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-55-ARSON to make an anonymous report, or to call 911.

Contact Marysville Globe Staff at editor@marysvilleglobe.com.

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