Man arrested for haystack arson

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man was in jail on Oct. 3 after $4,500 of hay was set ablaze Wednesday evening near Moses Lake.

Sheriff's deputies and Grant County Fire District No. 5 firefighters were called to Rathbun Angus, 11990 County Road H-Northeast at around 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. Deputies and firefighters arrived to find several bales of hay fully engulfed.

Witnesses told deputies they saw a white car leaving the scene right before the fire started. Based on that information, deputies were able to tie a white 1998 Subaru Justy and Alexander M. Clemons, 19, to the crime.

Clemons was arrested for investigation of second-degree arson. The Subaru was seized pending a search warrant.

The investigation continues by the Sheriff's Office and the Fire Marshal's Office, and more arrests are possible. Anyone with information is asked to call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-762-1160, or email to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us.

Tipsters can remain anonymous.

- Staff report