Tumwater police are asking the public for help identifying two people seen running from a Sunday fire that destroyed the former South Pacific restaurant building.
The two people are considered "persons of interest" in what police are now calling two suspected arsons at the boarded-up building at Capitol Boulevard and Custer Way Southeast.
The first fire, which Tumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley said took place at or near a back deck to the former business, was reported a little after 2 p.m. Sunday and was extinguished by fire crews.
A second fire, reported at 3:20 p.m., ultimately destroyed the building.
Video shows two people fleeing east along Custer Way after the first attempt. Video also shows two people riding bicycles west on Custer Way toward the former restaurant.
Police say those cyclists were dressed in similar clothing to those seen running from the scene.
"They can be seen entering the foliage on the east side of the building. Smoke is visible shortly thereafter," department officials said in a news release.
Anyone with information about the persons of interest is asked to contact Tumwater Police Detective Sergeant C. Liska at cliska@ci.tumwater.wa.us or at 360-754-4200.
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