Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci on Monday afternoon in connection with the Old Trails Fire. Sheriff John Nowels confirmed that Farinacci is being held on a $1 million bond and faces a charge of arson in the first degree. The arrest follows a multi-day investigation into the blaze, which began Saturday afternoon and remains one of three active fires in the county.
Investigation and Initial Contact
The investigation into the fire originated Saturday when a witness reported seeing a man “bending down near some grass” shortly before smoke appeared in the area, according to Sheriff Nowels. Law enforcement officers made initial contact with Farinacci near the scene that same day. At the time of that encounter, deputies found the suspect in possession of a butane lighter and waterproof matches.
Deputies detained and questioned Farinacci on Saturday but ultimately released him. Nowels noted that the information available to investigators at the time of that initial stop was incomplete. Detectives later utilized body-worn camera footage from the Saturday encounter to further their case, ultimately leading to the Monday arrest.
Did You Know? Investigators relied on body-worn camera footage from an initial police encounter on Saturday to help build the arson case against Farinacci, as the details of his activity were not fully understood by officers at the time of the first detention.
Ongoing Fire Response in Spokane County
The Old Trails Fire is one of three currently burning in Spokane County. While an arrest has been made in this specific case, the sheriff’s office stated the investigation remains active. Authorities, including the Airway Heights Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, credited tips from citizens and coordination during evacuations as critical factors in the investigation.
Potential Next Steps
With Farinacci currently held on a $1 million bond, the case will likely move toward formal judicial proceedings. As the investigation remains active, authorities may continue to review the circumstances surrounding the other two fires burning in the county, though officials have stated the causes of those fires remain unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the suspect?
Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, is in custody and being held on a $1 million bond.
Why was the suspect initially released on Saturday?
Sheriff Nowels stated that a lot of the details that eventually led to the arrest were not known to the deputies at the time they first detained and questioned the suspect.
What evidence led to the arrest?
The case was built on witness reports of a man bending near grass where the fire started, the discovery of a butane lighter and waterproof matches in the suspect’s possession, and body-worn camera footage from the initial encounter.