A fifth person has been arrested, accused of being involved in the deadly Chelan Hills Fire.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office told KIRO 7 that the suspect was picked up by U.S. Marshals in Roy around 10 p.m. Thursday. He will be transported back to Douglas County today and appear in court on Monday.
“We’re not done. We still have the other suspects to bring in. Ultimately, everybody’s going to be brought to justice,” Caille said.
On July 4, a wildfire in Oroville started on Highway 97 when a group of young adults launched fireworks off a moving truck. Newly obtained video shows the launching of these fireworks. At one point, a firework hits a passing car and explodes.
“They were fine with the fact they were traveling down the road, traveling the wrong direction in the opposite lane, lighting fireworks during a fireworks ban, during a county-wide burn ban, and then ultimately leading to what we dealt with,” Caille said. “They all have knowledge of what went on. They are all complicit in the crime. And one of the prongs of all these crimes is knowledge. Another one is intent.”
Investigators determined the fireworks ignited dry grass along the highway, starting the Chelan Hills Fire.
The fire burned nearly 10,000 acres and destroyed over 100 homes and buildings.
A man and his dogs were killed while trying to escape the flames.
In early September, 18-year-old Kent man Michael Yakimov was arrested and charged in connection with the fire.
He pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.
On Sept. 17, three others, Julian Mikityuk (19), Mark Okhrimchik (19), Valentin Tabunscic (18), were arrested for their alleged involvement in the fire.
All three were arrested for first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.
Caille confirmed to KIRO 7 that the three were formally charged on Sept. 24.
He tells us there is still one more outstanding suspect and the Marshals will arrest him soon as well.
Until then, Caille has a message for the suspect before that happens.
“It’'s not too late, I’ve said it all along, turn yourself in, do the right thing. And it’s still not too late. So do the right thing. Turn yourself in,” Caille said.
KIRO 7 is not naming the fifth suspect at this time because they have not been charged.