House Fire

Cpl. Ronald Van Tassel


Monday, December 21, 2020 at 3:20 p.m.


Early Saturday morning, Spokane Police and Spokane Fire departments responded to 2400 E Desmet for a house on fire. During the course of the investigation, they determined that the fire was most likely caused by fireworks being set off. Officers later arrested and booked a juvenile male for causing the fire.

On December 19th 2020, 911 received a call of a house fire in the area of Altamont and Desmet. The fire did significant damage to one of the homes and some damage to the residence next door. While Officers were on scene they were notified by neighbors that just prior to the house fire, they had heard fireworks being set off in the area. Firefighters advised that fireworks would be consistent with the cause of the house fire.

Officers found the remnants of bottle rockets laying around. They were then directed to a 14 year old male who was seen with a bottle rocket in his pocket. After contacting and interviewing the juvenile Officers determined there was probable cause to arrest him for causing the fire. When Officers went to arrest the male, he attempted to run away. Officers were able to grab onto the male, who continued to fight and resist.

After being taken into custody the male was transported to Juvenile and booked in for 1st degree reckless burning and resisting arrest. 



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