Everett Police Keep Fred Meyer Customers And Employees Safe After Man Drives Car Into Store, Vehicle Later Bursts Into Flames

Editor’s Update Saturday 8:00 AM: After treatment at the hospital Everett Police booked the man into the Snohomish County Jail on multiple felony charges. He is expected to make a court appearance on Monday.

Editor’s Note: There are very few actual details known so we’re going to report on what we saw tonight at the Fred Meyer Store in the 8500 Block of Evergreen Way in south Everett. What I do know is Everett Police and Fire did an amazing job of keeping customers, employees and themselves safe. LD

Shortly after 6:00 PM Friday night a man in his 50s appeared to be having some type of mental health crisis when he drove a car covered in spray paint into the doors of the grocery entrance at the Fred Meyer store.

He was apparently not cooperative with officers and reportedly began pouring gasoline on himself while inside the car.

Everett Police officers on scene began talking with the man while other arriving officers worked to seal off the area and evacuate customers and employees from the store. Everett Fire was also called out to the store.

Everett Police continued their dialogue with the man and called for a Designated Crisis Responder.

At one point after about an hour of talking, the man appeared to be getting out of the car but then shut the door again. Everett Officers continued to talk to the man when the car suddenly exploded into flames.

Everett Firefighters on scene quickly knocked down the flames while several police officers and an Everett Firefighter pulled the man to safety.

The man was treated at the scene and transported by Medic Unit to Providence Regional Medical Center. The extent of his injuries is unknown as of this writing.

The man was the only person injured. Customers, employees and first responders were all safe.

There was extensive damage to the grocery entrance but Everett Firefighters kept the fire from extending from the car into the store.

Fire investigators were headed to the scene to try and determine how the car ignited.

At this time there are far more questions than answers.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis please contact crisis services. Call or text 9-8-8 or call the Crisis Services Line at (800) 584-3578. This service is available 24/7/365.