TACOMA, WA – Residents of a sober living home in Tacoma are recovering after what authorities say was a violent attack early Tuesday morning, leaving three people hospitalized and a fellow housemate in custody on attempted murder and arson charges.

According to law enforcement officials, Andrew Cole Keen, 29, had moved into the home on the 4000 block of South 34th Street just days before the incident unfolded. Within that brief time, his condition reportedly worsened after he stopped taking prescribed medication, leading to growing concerns among those sharing the house.

Investigators say events escalated just before dawn when one resident awoke to hear cries for help and the sound of emergency calls being made. Moments later, flames erupted inside the home, quickly spreading and sending residents scrambling for safety. Court filings indicate Keen is accused of stabbing three of his housemates before starting a fire near the base of the staircase, a move police allege was intended to trap people in the building.

Witness statements included in court documents recount scenes of panic, with one resident escaping through an upstairs window and another emerging from the house engulfed in flames. The commotion drew first responders to the scene, where they transported three victims to a local hospital. At least one of the injured was reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities also received troubling messages reportedly sent by Keen to his father, who lives outside of Washington. The communications suggested Keen was aware of the impending violence, with references to plans of harming others and an expectation that he would be jailed that night.

Responding officers later located Keen at a convenience store nearby. At the time of his arrest, police say he was carrying a lighter and matches, as well as bearing a fresh cut on his hand. When questioned about the source of the blaze, authorities allege Keen responded with a grin but did not provide a clear answer.

The fire is believed to have been deliberately set using multiple mattresses and a pile of clothing at the bottom of the stairs, effectively blocking a primary exit route and heightening the risk for those trapped on upper floors.

Keen was taken into custody without further incident and has been charged with three counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree arson. He pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance and is currently held on $1 million bail.

The sober living facility, which was registered with local authorities, had several residents at the time of the attack. Investigators continue to review the circumstances leading up to the incident, including Keen’s mental health history and interactions with other tenants in the days preceding the event.

All three injured residents remain under medical care as detectives gather further evidence in preparation for upcoming court proceedings.