Man frustrated with car troubles accused of torching it in Columbia Park

A 27-year-old man allegedly set his car on fire in a Kennewick park over the weekend after it kept having mechanical problems.

Andrew S. Roderick apparently reached a tipping point with his Chrysler Sebring’s frequent mechanical problems, Kennewick Officer Fernando Ramos told the Tri-City Herald.

Roderick poured gasoline over the car while it was parked near the boat launch on the east end of Columbia Park about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, said Ramos. Roderick then put the can inside, before allegedly putting a flame to it.

Roderick then called 911 to report the blaze. He initially lied to investigators about owning the car, Ramos said. After they learned whose car it was, he admitted to setting the fire.

It’s illegal to set fire to anyone’s car, including your own, under Washington state law, Ramos said.

He was arrested on suspicion of second-degree arson.

This story was originally published May 19, 2025 at 11:46 AM.