REDMOND, Wash. — A Redmond man was charged on Thursday for the suspected arson of a downtown Redmond strip mall on Jan. 14.
The 23-year-old man, Tyndal Cubbo Santos Marirur, who identifies as Tyn Santos, was arrested by Redmond police on Wednesday for unrelated charges.
He faces charges of arson in the second degree and burglary in the second degree.
An Italian restaurant was destroyed in the fire at the Redmond strip mall Friday morning.
Five other businesses were also damaged.
Firefighters were called to Northeast 87th Street just off Redmond Way in the Bella Bottega shopping area around 4:30 a.m.
When crews arrived, heavy fire and smoke were coming from a restaurant at the end of a strip mall.
Tropea Ristorante Italiano was destroyed by the flames.
Though it was damaged, Courtney Christine said she’s grateful her business, Redmond Pilates Center, survived.
“Everything was starting to recover (from COVID-19) pretty well and then this morning, it is on fire,” said Christine.
Redmond Fire said Christine’s studio has heavy smoke and fire damage.
“All of the equipment for Pilates is extremely expensive and it’s been a collection that I’ve made over the last 11 years,” said Christine.
Next door to the Pilates center is the Italian restaurant which has called Redmond home since 1996.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but Redmond Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Healy was able to confirm how the flames spread so quickly.
“Because it’s an older building, it has a common attic space, so the fire ran down the attic,” said Healy.
Meanwhile, while Christine had to cancel Pilates classes, she said it has been touching to hear from many of her customers offering their condolences.
“It’s nice to feel that love and support and how important it is to them as it is to us who teaches them,” said Christine.
To help repair the damage to the pilates center, a GoFundMe account has been set up on behalf of Christine.
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