TACOMA, Wash. – A community in Tacoma is grappling with the aftermath of a harrowing episode as three residents of a sober living home were hospitalized following a pre-dawn attack Tuesday, instigated by a man who recently joined the facility. The suspect is now facing charges of attempted murder and arson, accused of both stabbing housemates and setting the residence on fire.
Authorities arrested 29-year-old Andrew Cole Keen at a nearby convenience store shortly after the incident. Keen, described by police as carrying a lighter and matches at the time of his arrest, exhibited injuries including a fresh cut on his hand. He allegedly declined to explain his actions to law enforcement, responding only with a cryptic smile when questioned about the fire.
The violence erupted just before dawn, initiated by a commotion that woke one of the residents. The situation rapidly devolved as Keen reportedly attacked fellow occupants with a knife and then attempted to seal their fate by igniting a blaze. He is alleged to have deliberately used mattresses and clothing to block the main exit, significantly increasing the danger to anyone inside.
Rescue scenes described in court documents depict a residence engulfed in flames and chaos. One victim made a narrow escape through an upstairs window, while another was seen fleeing the home with his clothes on fire. First responders rushed to the venue, providing urgent transport for the injured to a local hospital, where one remains in critical condition.
Amidst the turmoil, unsettling messages purportedly sent by Keen to his father hint at premeditation. The contents suggested he was bracing for incarceration, intimating a grim resolve to harm others and foreseeing the consequences of his actions.
This event has prompted a detailed investigation into the suspect’s background, focusing particularly on his mental health and the dynamics within the home leading up to the attack. Keen’s abrupt cessation of prescribed medication and his subsequent behavioral shift are points of concern for detectives piecing together his motive.
Keen, who has pleaded not guilty, faces serious charges. In court, he was formally charged with three counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree arson. A judge has set bail at $1 million.
The registered sober living house, housing multiple residents at the time, is now under scrutiny as part of the ongoing police investigation. The authorities are meticulously reviewing all aspects of the incident to understand the broader implications for safety and security in similar facilities.
As the community reels from the shock, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and the pursuit of justice in upcoming legal proceedings. The case is also shining a light on the critical need for effective oversight and support systems within residential facilities catering to individuals with complex health needs. As this investigation continues, many are calling for a deeper examination into how such tragedies might be averted in the future.