Police Department

Early Morning Arson

Sgt. Terry Preuninger, PIO

Monday, June 22, 2020 at 4:43 p.m.

UPDATE: This afternoon – Tuesday June 23rd, SPD officers arrested a suspect in a string of fires involving both commercial and residential properties set early Monday morning.

36 year old Stephanie M Register was booked into jail on one count of 2^nd degree arson with more charges pending.

The suspect was picked up at the STA plaza.

She is the female pictured in the media release sent out by SPD yesterday.

We received many tips from the public and thank those who took the time to contact SPD.

More than 20 properties were burned or damaged in a series of fires at multiple locations, including 10 U-Haul trucks, 5 citizen vehicles, a garage, fencing, and several garbage cans.

The investigation is ongoing. Report # 2020-20105176

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Spokane Police Officers respond to a series of early morning fires set at both commercial and residential locations on the north side of Spokane.   SPD asking the public’s help in identifying a person of interest.  

Early Monday morning SPD officers responded to a report of fire and gunshots in the block of 40 East Crown.  When they arrived, they found two cars on fire and small explosions coming from the fires (which they think accounted for the reports of gunfire).  

About an hour later, the Spokane Fire Department advised they were responding to a second fire in the same neighborhood to the east of the original incident.  An SPD Sergeant responded and found two more cars and a garbage can set a blaze igniting an un-attached garage.   

A short time later, a report of fire was dispatched in the area of North Town Mall.  A fence and dumpster had been set on fire at a small business along with property at a bank just north of the Mall. 

The Spokane Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded and with SPD Patrol units continued the investigation.  Early video evidence was collected which showed a female who is a person of interest regarding the fires removing an article of clothing as she moved through the mall parking lot. 

Within an hour of the original incidents, just north of the city in Spokane County near Division and Magnesium, numerous fires were set at a U-Haul damaging multiple vehicles. 

At least one other call has come in later this morning of damage at a north side residence that may be related. 

This investigation is just beginning and the information listed above is preliminary.  SPD is asking the public’s help with identifying the person of interest shown below and any new information related to arson or malicious mischief, (specifically the use of a black marker to deface property) at businesses or residences along the North Division corridor last evening. 

Please call crime check 509 456 2233 with any help or clues.

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