Auburn, WA business employee, co-owner speak out after building burns during police search
Auburn business speaks out after building burns
After the business was destroyed during a police search, an employee from the event space is sharing his memories from his time working there.
AUBURN, Wash. - An Auburn business went up in flames on April 8 while Kent police and other law enforcement officers were searching for a domestic violence suspect who they thought was hiding inside.
They surrounded the business before the fire started, and initially thought he had died, later determining he wasn't in the building and was alive.
What they're saying:
With the business destroyed, an employee from the event space is sharing his memories from his time working there.
DJ Taz says Zanadu Studios was a hot spot for musicians before the fire.
"Pretty much booked and busy, and we had a good run," said Taz Petro, DJ and Zanadu Studios employee. "We had celebrities come through."
The business, owned by Marlene and Avon Cobb, was tight-knit.
"Most of us knew each other outside of work, before the event space even came about," said Taz. "It only made the business space grow even better, just because we had people we could trust and people we already love, so it was a good run."
Tigger, the Cobb's family dog, was also a permanent fixture.
"That was the emotional support dog from what I know to everybody who was in the office," said Taz.
While Zanadu Studios offered artists an event space near Seattle and Tacoma, the building also served as a meet-up space for a swingers' club.
"The Swirl was a real thing. It was a real thing, yes," said Taz.
The studios were also frequently booked up for weddings and other parties.
"It was a very artsy space, and it was a vibe for sure," said Taz.
When fire gutted the studios on April 8 and police surrounded the building, the staff had no idea what was ahead.
"It was unreal," said Taz.
Not only did more than a dozen workers lose their jobs after the fire, according to an online fundraiser, but Tigger also tragically passed away.
"There was a lot of emotional ties to the dog for sure," said Taz.
Avon's wife and Zanadu Studios' co-owner, Marlene Cobb, issued a statement saying, "I am devastated by the loss of my business and the death of my dog Tigger in the fire."
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, she wants to know if a "device fired by police into the building" started the fire.
Taz says the Cobbs have also had other challenges recently, including the recent tragic loss of their son.
"She’s had a rough year, experiencing the death of her son and right after that there’s a fire," said Taz.
He says this has added yet another layer to the tragedy.
"It cost Marlene and all of us relatively all of our livelihood. That’s what they lived and breathed and what we looked forward to," said Taz.
Taz says he'll be DJ'ing at other locations for the time being. On Wednesday night, he said he was working at Vibe Lounge in Tacoma for karaoke night.
He says the studios will soon be hosting a block party to raise money and support for Zanadu Studios and its employees on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. near Zanadu Studios at 1520 Pike St NW in Auburn.
FOX 13 reached out to Kent Police for new information regarding the cause of the fire and whether they were still looking to speak with Avon Cobb. They gave the following response:
"Aaron Cobb is considered a suspect in that investigation. We do not consider him armed and dangerous, the circumstances are specific to those involved. It appears that the noise device was the listed cause. We have not seen a copy of the report nor do we have the report, however, when we obtain a copy we will review it to get a full assessment of the determination."
Marlene's full statement is below:
"I am devastated by the loss of my business and the death of my dog Tigger in the fire at Zanadu Studios on April 8th. It’s been made worse by reports in the media that are not accurate or complete. The investigations are at an early stage, but the evidence so far shows that the fire was likely caused by a "flash bang" device fired by the police into the building after it was cleared. When all the facts are in, I trust that those responsible will be held accountable. I want to sincerely thank the community for standing by and supporting Zanadu Studios. For now, all I want to do is support the staff, allow the investigations to take their course, and process the tremendous loss we have suffered. I appreciate everyone’s understanding and respect during this difficult time."
The Source: Information in this story is from Zanadu Studios and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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