Serial Arsonist + Accomplice Arrested in Multiple Grant County Fires
Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones announced this week the arrest of two suspects in a string of arson fires that occurred over a six-week period, mostly near Soap Lake.
Between April 13 and May 28 five buildings (mostly old homes and farm structures in rural areas) were set on fire and most destroyed.
Now a 21-year-old woman is in the Grant County jail facing arson and other charges. Sheriff's Deputies say Alexandria Gray of Ephrata is facing four counts of second degree burglary and arson. Another person was also taken into custody. Several more arrests are expected.
Jones says the fires appeared to be crimes of "opportunity," but it is fortunate these people were located and arrested before any of them decided to torch inhabited structures.
The case was cracked due to a lot of work by multiple agencies, citizen tips, and surveillance camera footage. A witness was also able to link a vehicle and license plate to one of the fire locations.
Authorities are still looking into a number of haystack and straw fires in the county as well. It is not known yet if they are related to the arsonists. Anyone with any information is urged to call (509)-762-1160. All leads can be anonymous.