Arrest made in Kalispell arson case

A man is in custody for his alleged involvement in an arson last month that destroyed thousands of dollars of merchandise at a Kalispell business.

According to a press release from the Kalispell Police Department, Arnold Wayne Deans turned himself in Friday after his photo was posted on the department’s social media site. Numerous tips were also generated and processed through Crime Stoppers.

Deans is facing charges of negligent arson and theft.

The fire that Deans is accused of setting occurred at 2:30 a.m., Thursday, April 19 was at Rick Anderson’s Snow Jobs and Dirt Stuff on Center Street.

According to Kalispell Police Department Detective Jim Wardensky, the blaze caused at least $50,000 in damage to snowmobiles, four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles parked at the property.

Wardensky said the damage was all outside of the building and that no one was injured. He credited the Kalispell Fire Department’s quick response for preventing any injuries or loss of life.

The department said the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Northwest Drug Task Force and Crime Stoppers assisted in the investigation.