by Tacoma, WA – A 29-year-old man in the greater Seattle area has been arrested and charged after allegedly stabbing housemates and setting a fire at a sober living home in Tacoma, authorities said. The suspect, Andrew Cole Keen, faces three counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree arson. He pleaded not guilty this week and is being held on $1 million bail.
The incident occurred just before dawn on Tuesday at a residence on the 4000 block of South 34th Street, which is registered as a sober living facility.
Incident Overview
According to authorities and court documents, Keen had moved into the home just three days prior. During that short period, his mental health reportedly deteriorated after he stopped taking prescribed medication. Investigators say he accused one resident of stealing “something intangible,” such as thoughts or emotions.
At approximately 4 a.m. Tuesday, one housemate awoke to shouting and quickly realized that someone had been stabbed and that the home was on fire. Court records indicate the witness saw flames near bunk beds in the living room, extending from floor to ceiling. Another resident escaped through an upstairs window, while the resident who called 911 was reportedly on fire.
Authorities believe Keen set multiple mattresses and a pile of clothes ablaze at the bottom of the stairs, seemingly to trap residents upstairs.
“Immediately knew this was involving Andrew and was quickly confirmed by all the other residents,” court documents state.
Timeline of Events
- Three days before the attack: Keen moves into the sober living home.
- Early Tuesday, ~4 a.m.: Residents awake to shouting, stabbing, and a fire.
- Housemates attempt to escape; one calls 911, another jumps from a window.
- Police respond: Keen is found at a nearby 7-Eleven with matches, a lighter, and a cut on his hand. When questioned, he reportedly smiled.
- Victims: Three men were hospitalized, one in critical condition.
Investigators noted that Keen’s father had received texts and social media messages from his son warning he was planning to kill people and would “go to jail tonight.”
Details From Police and Officials
Authorities said Keen’s actions appeared intentional and premeditated, citing the placement of flammable materials at stairways designed to block escape. The house was functioning as a sober living facility, meaning multiple residents were present and vulnerable at the time.
Authorities said Keen lit multiple mattresses and a pile of clothes on fire at the bottom of the stairs of the home in a way that appeared “to contribute in trapping the upstairs residents.”
Police arrested Keen without incident and took him into custody near the 7-Eleven close to the residence. He was booked and remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Public Safety and Mental Health Context
Officials noted that incidents like this highlight the intersection of mental health challenges and public safety. Keen’s deterioration after discontinuing medication underscores the importance of monitoring vulnerable individuals and ensuring access to mental health care.
Authorities encourage anyone with concerns about potentially dangerous behavior in residential facilities to report it promptly to local law enforcement.
Conclusion
Andrew Cole Keen, 29, has been charged with three counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree arson after allegedly stabbing housemates and setting a fire at a Tacoma sober living home early Tuesday morning. Three men were hospitalized, one in critical condition, while Keen remains in custody on $1 million bail.
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