Police Department

Suspect Arrested for Arson Along Fish Lake Trail

Ofc. Josh Laiva

Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 7:02 p.m.

Spokane Police Department arrests suspect who set a series of small fires along the Fish Lake Trail.

Today May 28, 2017, just after 3:30PM, an off-duty Spokane Police Officer observed a series of small fires on the west side of Highway 195 between the highway and the Fish Lake Trail. The Spokane Police Department, the Spokane Fire Department, and the Department of Natural Resources all immediately responded to the area. The fires were quickly contained, and there were no evacuations or threats to nearby structures.

Quick thinking Spokane Police Officers tracked the direction of the fire, set up a perimeter around the fire, and detained three suspects. Officers from the Spokane Police Department worked with the Spokane Fire Department Arson Investigators to determine the 51 year old white male they had already detained was responsible for starting the fires. The male was arrested for Arson 2nd Degree. Several local residents assisted the investigation by providing surveillance video. The male was previously known to the Spokane Police Department, and was a local transient who was living in the wooded area nearby the scene. The male has a criminal history of events similar in nature. Investigators and fire crews will remain on scene, and W. 16th Ave., from Highway 195 will remain closed for the next several hours along with the Fish Lake Trail from W. 16th Ave. to W. Thorpe Rd.

The Spokane Police Department and the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that this warm weather has been drying out the brush and vegetation, and even small fires can spread quickly. Please be cautious with your fires while you’re enjoying your outdoor activities.

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