Prolific Arsonist Arrested by Spokane Fire and Police Yesterday

Responsible for Arson Fire at Redemption Church and Molly’s Restaurant Downtown

AC Brian Schaeffer #509-625-7002

Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:51 a.m.

Yesterday at 9 a.m., Spokane Fire Department Investigators were following up on a recent dumpster fire at 224 South Lincoln that occurred over the weekend. As a result of the investigation, surveillance video was captured that identified a suspect in the fire.

Investigators then contacted Spokane Police Department (SPD) Detective Elise Robertson at the Downtown Precinct who contributed incredibly towards efforts in identifying the suspect that eventually led to the arrest. An SPD Neighborhood Resource Officer located the suspect at 168 S. Division St. and SPD Officers safely took the suspect into custody.

The suspect’s name is Donald Hayward (56 year old male). Mr. Hayward has an extensive criminal arson history from Washington State and Florida. He is currently booked in Spokane County Jail and has his first appearance at 11 a.m. this morning.