Police in Washington are looking into an incident involving an “improvised explosive device” discovered outside a cannabis shop in Tacoma on Friday.
In a video obtained by Tacoma Police with Fox 13, a suspect is seen dropping off the improvised device before tossing the Molotov cocktail at the establishment.
James Bean, the proprietor of Craft Cannabis, is looking for help identifying the person seen on camera during the March 15 incident.
“I think this could have been a very different story had the person been successful,” Bean was quoted as saying by Fox 13.
Bean owns three other pot shops in Wenatchee and Vancouver, and he launched the Tacoma site two years ago. However, he told Fox 13 that the establishment began to be targeted in February.
Bean told Fox 13 that it all began with his 35% discount signage being taken.
“It all started after we finished our remodel and had a grand reopening,” said Bean. “We even started getting threatening phone calls.”
However, all of the thefts and threats escalated on Friday when someone attempted to burn down one of his buildings.
“They rolled some type of fire starter onto the side of the building, and they threw a Molotov cocktail against the building,” Bean told the news station. “It’s a good thing he had bad aim.”
Tacoma Police officers responded and safely disposed of the device.
Unfortunately, Craft Cannabis was targeted again on Sunday morning, with a portion of their sign partially burned down.
According to authorities, an officer drove by the shop at about 6:00 a.m. on Sunday to investigate reports of a fire.
Officials told Fox News Digital that two people fled the area. The fire was soon extinguished, and no one was detained or wounded.
Investigators want anyone with information about the attacks to contact them.
Tacoma Police informed Fox News Digital that they are still investigating the occurrences, which they believe are linked to other incidents. Officers stated a follow-up investigation would be conducted to discover the motive.
Police said the owner believes the attacks are payback for offering a product at a lesser price than competitors.
In addition, Bean stated that he is offering a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.