Citizens, Deputies, and Fire Investigators Work Together to Hold Arson Suspect Accountable
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to multiple reports of two fires west of Carnahan near 16th Avenue. Witnesses stated a female, later identified as 28-year-old Angel M. Garton, was walking around and starting the fires. Spokane Valley Fire quickly extinguished the small fires which caused minimal damage. Garton was booked into jail for two counts of Arson 2nd Degree.
On June 27, 2019, at approximately 6:55 p.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a female acting strange and starting fires as she walked on Carnahan between 14th and 16th Avenue.
Spokane County and Spokane Valley Deputies arrived in the area and found two small fires, one mainly grass and brush and one in an electrical/utility box. Witnesses told Deputies, Garton was the one responsible for setting the fires. As Deputy McKenzie approached Garton, he observed she was holding BIC lighter in her hand. Garton was detained without incident pending an investigation.
Spokane Valley Fire personnel responded to assist and quickly extinguished the fires. A Washington Department of Natural Resources Forester also responded to assist.
Witnesses observed Garton near the burning electrical/utility box and noted she was the only person on foot in the area. After she walked further down the road, Garton sat down and began lighting a pile of pine needles with a cigarette lighter.
Garton was advised of her rights, and she declined to make any statements or answer questions.
Garton was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for two felony charges of Arson 2nd Degree.
