Reward offered in Soap Lake arson investigation
The Grant County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about arson suspects in a Soap Lake fire in December.
SOAP LAKE - The Grant County Sheriff's Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction of those responsible for a December arson fire near Soap Lake, according to a prepared statement released Wednesday.
About 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 20, sheriff deputies and Grant County Fire District 7 firefighters responded to a call for a fire at an unoccupied home at 19688 County Road A.3-Northwest near Soap Lake. According to sheriff's office, there was extensive damage to the home and an investigation determined the fire was arson.
The home is owned by three brothers and sisters who grew up in the area: Bruce and Colleen Gibbins and Laura Kimball. The home had been their parents' residence dating back 60 years. Colleen Gibbins is an Ephrata resident; Bruce Gibbins and Laura Kimball live out of the area.
According to the sheriff's office, there may be a possible correlation with another incident that occurred after the fire. On Dec. 25, unknown subjects dumped a dead part-Chihuahua dog in Colleen Gibbin's yard on E Street Northeast in Ephrata. Reports stated the dog had been in a freezer prior to the incident and the sheriff's office suspects the act was a form of intimidation related to the arson case.
"I am very concerned about these incidents and hope there is someone who can provide us the break we need to solve the case," Sheriff Tom Jones stated.
The dead dog was reportedly between 10 to 15 pounds with light tan fur and white markings on its front feet.
The sheriff's office is hoping finding the owner of the dog will lead to additional leads to possible suspects. Persons missing a dog matching the description are asked to contact investigators.
Contact Deputy Jon Melvin and Deputy Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski with any information related to the incidents through the MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160. Individuals interested in the reward can contact the MACC or the Arson Alarm Foundation at 1-800-55-ARSON.