Police Department

Reckless Burning Arrest on West Side of the South Hill

Ofc. John O'Brien, PIO

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 4:11 p.m.

Today, just before 10:00 a.m., the first of three fires was reported on the west side of the south hill. Two witnesses came forward to the police and one provided a photo which ultimately helped officers locate the suspect in the neighborhood.

Two of the fires burned very close to structures. The third fire was set in the brush over the bluff by Polly Judd Park. With today’s warmer weather and windy conditions, this fire could have created a more dangerous situation for the neighborhood.

Officers located Alexander C.L. Menko (29 years) near 12^th Avenue and Maple Street. After the initial investigation officers developed probable cause to arrest Menko for two counts of Reckless Burning 1^st Degree. The investigation is ongoing. This charge could be amended and/or additional charges could be added.

Menko, who has no criminal history, was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail.

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