Tacoma Man Charged With Arson at Burger King
A 34-year-old man was taken into custody after setting a fire inside a local restaurant bathroom.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Property Crime
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Randall Galang was arrested and charged with first-degree arson and second-degree burglary after starting a fire at a Burger King on E Portland Ave. Employees alerted authorities after discovering smoke emanating from a locked bathroom.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks posed to local businesses and the public by deliberate acts of destruction in communal spaces. Fast-acting staff helped prevent the fire from spreading further throughout the building.
Randall Galang was booked into Pierce County Jail on charges of arson in the first degree and burglary in the second degree. The investigation involves the recovery of a red lighter and two needles from the crime scene.
The players
Randall Galang
He is a 34-year-old individual who was taken into custody by local authorities.
Tacoma Fire Department
This agency provides emergency response services and fire protection for the city of Tacoma.
The details
After employees noticed smoke coming from beneath the bathroom door, they used buckets of water to attempt to combat the fire. Responding officers eventually used a key provided by staff to enter the restroom and remove Galang, who had set his own clothing and a wet floor sign ablaze.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: Randall Galang allegedly set a fire in the Burger King bathroom.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard prosecution patterns established under the 2024 Washington State criminal arson code guidelines. Local authorities continue to track property crime rates to assess the impact of such incidents on public safety and commercial operations.
Local residents and businesses should remain alert to suspicious activity occurring in shared restrooms or public facilities. The arrest ensures the suspect is currently off the streets while the legal process moves through the Pierce County judicial system.
The takeaway
Maintaining clear emergency protocols for restaurant staff can significantly mitigate damage during fire-related emergencies. Always report suspicious smoke or fire hazards to 911 immediately to ensure a rapid response from professional fire services.
Further reading
For more on local safety trends, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Northwest.
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