Laser arena fire caused by suspected arson

Investigators found the fire started in multiple parts of the building

This+is+a+crime+of+intimidation+...+this+is+the+crime+of+scaring+people+when+theyre+at+their+most+vulnerable%2C%E2%80%9D+said+Dan+LeBeau%2C+Whitman+County+chief+deputy+prosecutor.

OLIVER MCKENNA | THE DAILY EVERGREEN

“This is a crime of intimidation … this is the crime of scaring people when they’re at their most vulnerable,” said Dan LeBeau, Whitman County chief deputy prosecutor.

DAN DOUCET, Evergreen opinion editor

Pullman police have begun a criminal investigation into a blaze that caused heavy damage to a Pullman business early Sunday morning.

Fire investigators found evidence of vandalism and concluded that the fire originated in multiple parts of the building, according to a news release.

An investigation was initiated when firefighters at the scene determined the fire’s origin seemed suspicious, according to the news release.

The owners of Cougar Laser Arena, an arcade and laser tag business, stated on their Facebook page that they suspected arson could have been the cause, and encouraged anyone with information to contact Pullman police.

The post also stated that the damage is severe enough that they are unsure when they will be able to reopen.

The business suffered water, fire and smoke damage to its interior, although the cost of the damage will not be determined until the owners meet with their insurance company, according to the news release.

Wysup Imports, the neighboring business which shares a building, sustained no damage, according to the news release.

The fire was first reported by a Pullman fire paramedic, who saw smoke coming from the building on his way back from the hospital, according to the news release.

Pullman firefighters arrived at the business at around 2 a.m. to find flames and smoke, according to the news release.