Ofc. Ben Maplethorpe
Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 4:46 p.m.
The Spokane Police Department arrested a man for causing a field to catch fire at E 2nd Ave and S Pittsburg St.
Today at 1pm, Spokane Police and Fire Departments received several calls for a fire in the area of 2nd Ave and Pittsburg St. SFD arrived on scene and found the field at the location was on fire. There was a male attempting to put out the flames. Witnesses saw the male lighting fireworks near the field. The male left prior to police arriving, but witnesses were able to help police locate him. Christopher M Bateman (38) was taken into custody on a warrant and also charged with reckless burning.
Spokane Police would like to thank the SFD for their quick response to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby houses. Thanks also to the citizens who assisted with locating and identifying the suspect.
It is important to remind everyone, the Spokane area is experiencing very dry conditions in which the smallest spark can cause a fire. Spokane Police also reminds everyone fireworks are illegal anywhere in the City of Spokane.
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