Ofc. Daniel Strassenberg, PIO
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 3:15 p.m.
On July 14th, 2025 at 6:20am, Officers working at the SPD Downtown Precinct (111 N Wall) were alerted after the fire alarm in the building was activated. Upon entering the basement area, an officer could smell smoke. Visible smoke would be seen seconds later. The smoke was coming through a metal roll up door that connected with the alley. Officers would find a bin full of combustible material on fire in the alley. The building also sustained damage as the fire department had to respond to put the fire out.
Officers reviewed security video of the area and found a person of interest for setting the fire. At just after 9am, the suspect in the arson was located a short distance away and taken into custody. Johnathon L. Stapleton (28) was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for 1st Degree Arson.
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Officer Daniel Strassenberg
509-835-4568
dstrassenberg@spokanepolice.org
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My Spokane: 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489)
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