The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office arrested a drunk driver after he nearly triggered a large brush fire.
Tuesday Afternoon, a Witness Spotted the Erratic Driver
The PCSO says around 4 PM, a witness called 9-1-1 to report seeing a man who appeared to be trying to start a fire. The location was near Allen and Dunn Road, about 15 niles Northeast of Deer Park.
The caller saw the man jump in his car and drive off, and they followed them while talking to the Dispatcher. A short time later the man crashed his car off the road.
The Man Turned Out to Be Very Intoxicated
53-year-old Ronald A. Reik Jr. of Elk, WA was located and arrested, and charged with DUI and attempted arson. Fortunately, the fire didn’t ‘take,’ and a crew was able to make sure it was completely out.
The PCSO said were it not for the steps taken by the witness to call and follow the suspect the situation could have possibly been a lot worse, especially if the arson attempt was successful.
Pend Oreill and Stevens County are experiencing the same dry hot conditions we are, and have several wilderness fires burning toward the Canadian Border.
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