Boundary Co. man charged with arson

BONNERS FERRY — A Boundary County man has been arrested in connection with a pair of fires which destroyed hay bales as well as a barn and its contents early Tuesday morning.

Boundary County Sheriff’s Office received a report of hay bales on fire at about 2 a.m. near Copeland Road in the northern part of the county. A short time later, a witness saw an additional fire start on nearby Krause Road and a vehicle leaving the scene, said Michael Meier, spokesman for Boundary County’s emergency management.

That fire eventually destroyed a barn and its contents, including several tons of baled hay and farm equipment, Meier said in a press release.

A property owner followed the vehicle as it left the area and was able to provide a description and a license plate number. According to the press release, the vehicle began to travel at a high rate of speed but the individual was able to continue to provide information to law enforcement regarding its location and direction of travel.

Law enforcement made contact with the vehicle’s driver, identified as Gary Brown, 19, in the parking lot of the 3 Mile Store. He was subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and for arson.

His two 17-year-old passengers were both charged as minors being under the influence of alcohol and released to their parents.  

The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be filed, according to the press release.

The total loss for the property destroyed by the fires has not been determined at this time.