SOUTH HILL, Wash. — The fire at Squeaky's Car Wash is one of several that Spokane Police are investigating as arson on the South Hill. On Monday, it is still closed and taped off.
Just a few days ago, police spotted a teen just down the street at Wendy's who matched the description of the suspect who allegedly lit a fire at the car wash.
Spokane police are putting in the work to find the suspects responsible for the string of fires started on the South Hill.
"I think it's sad that it happened," Pinky Wilson, who lives in Spokane, said.
One of those fires temporarily closed Squeaky's Car Wash at the McQuik Mart.
The owners say the fire caused an estimated $160,000 in damages.
The Spokane Fire Department shared nearby surveillance video. It shows two suspects lighting a fire just outside the carwash, and then walking away.
"Yeah, I am a little bummed that it's this one," Kristjan Dye, a Speaky's Car Wash customer, said.
Court documents say investigators determined one of the suspects wore a light-colored top, dark-colored pants with a light-colored stripe, had shaggy hair and possibly wearing glasses.
Three days ago, police spotted a teen boy walking through the Wendy's parking lot shining a flashlight around. The officers say he looked like the suspect at the car wash fire--and was wearing the same pants.
Court documents say the officers arrested the 13-year-old boy at a nearby apartment. They say the teen's father confirmed he was wearing the same pants as the suspect in the surveillance video.
Car wash patrons are hopeful this arrest will bring a stop to any more fires on the South Hill.
"If it's kids, maybe they can straighten them out and they won't do it anymore, I hope," Dye said.
"I wish that it would just stop," Wilson said. "I wish parents would know where their kids are so things like this wouldn't happen."
The co-owner of Squeaky's Car Wash says they plan to put in a new car wash machine. This week crews will clean up the fire damage. Going forward, they are optimistic the new car wash will reopen in about two months.
The 13-year-old arrested in connection to the car wash fire is facing arson and malicious mischief charges. Police say more charges could be added as the investigation continues.
SPD is also investigating an 11-year-old suspect's involvement in the recent South Hill fires. Spokane Police say they only had enough evidence at this time to tie the 13-year-old to the car wash fire. SPD continues to investigate the other fires and additional suspects.