SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Deputies from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 55-year-old man in connection with a brush fire in the 500 block of East Hastings Road.
The incident began on Sunday around 6:15 p.m. when a brush fire was reported near a residence. According to officials, multiple witnesses saw a white male, around 40 years old, fleeing the scene. He was described as having long curly hair and wearing red shorts and a white shirt.
Spokane County Fire District Nine quickly extinguished the flames as deputies began their investigation.
According to police, a large group of people were seen standing around a man, who was later identified as the 55-year-old suspect, flailing his arms and legs while mumbling incoherently.
After arresting the suspect, deputies searched his property and reportedly discovered a torch, a can of butane, a blue Bic lighter, a suspected meth pipe and small plastic baggies containing substances believed to be fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The suspect faces charges of reckless burning and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail but was released on his own recognizance due to overcrowding.
