A man is in custody facing six counts of arson and two counts of assault on a peace officer after allegedly lighting a tree on fire in Missoula early Thursday morning.
Officers responded to a report that a man lit a tree on fire and was walking west on Third Street around 2:15 a.m.
A police press release says law enforcement found 24-year-old Sean Staples, who reportedly threatened to pour gasoline on the police officer and light him on fire.
Police say Staples threw gasoline toward the officers and held a lighter in his hand.
They arrested him without injury to officers.
Officials found and extinguished five additional fires along the road.
During an interview, police report Staples said he bought socks so he could put them in vents or exposed pipes and claimed to have done this to at least two houses.
The Missoula Police Department advises residents in the Lewis and Clark neighborhood to the area of South Third Street West and Russell Street to look at their external vents or exhaust ports. If an object is found, call 911 so the Missoula Police Department can collect the evidence.
The Missoula Police Department released the following information:
On May 25, 2023 at approximately 2:15 AM, officers were dispatched to S. 3rd Street West and Russell Street for a report of a male who had lit a tree on fire and was last seen walking west on 3rd St. Officers made contact with Sean Staples, who threatened he was going to cover the officer in gasoline and then light him on fire. Mr. Staples began actively throwing gasoline in the direction of the two officers and had a lighter in his hand. He was ultimately arrested with no injury to the officers. Officers located and an additional five fires along the road, which were extinguished. No injuries were reported as a result of the fires.
During a subsequent interview, Mr. Staples admitted to buying socks with the purpose to put the socks in vents or other exposed pipes. He claimed to accomplish this in at least two houses. This represents a significant health and safety concern. The Missoula Police Department is requesting residents in the Lewis and Clark neighborhood to the area of S. 3rd and Russell Streets inspect any external vents or exhaust ports. If any obstruction is located, please call the 9-1-1 so evidence can be collected.
Sean Staples was arrested for six counts of Arson and to counts of Assault on a Peace Officer and is currently in custody of the Missoula County Detention Facility.