EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- A fire at an ethnic grocery store early Friday was being investigated as arson - and possibly as a hate crime.
Investigators found a gas can and incendiary device inside Continental Spices Cash and Carry, a shop in a strip mall on East Casino Road. In addition, white crosses and an anti-Arab message were found spray-painted inside.
``The natural question is, 'Is it a hate crime?''' Police Sgt. Boyd Bryant said. ``Well, we have some indicators.'' But police also said it was too early to identify a motive.
The business sold groceries and spices from the Middle East.
The fire was reported at 4:14 a.m. by an employee of a convenience store next door. Damage to the spice store was estimated at $90,000.
The convenience store suffered some smoke damage, and the entire strip mall was closed. There were no reports of any injuries.
