Spokane: Suspect in custody after deliberately set fire causes damage to building housing the Downtown Police Precinct

~ On the morning of July 14th, 2025, a fire alarm at the SPD Downtown Precinct (111 N Wall) alerted officers to a potential emergency. Upon investigation, Officer Daniel Strassenberg, Public Information Officer for the Spokane Police Department, reported that an officer on duty had detected the smell of smoke upon entering the basement area. Within seconds, visible smoke was seen coming through a metal roll up door that connected to the alley.

Further inspection revealed a bin full of combustible material on fire in the alley, causing damage to the building. The fire department was called in to extinguish the flames.

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After reviewing security footage from the area, officers identified a person of interest in connection with setting the fire. At approximately 9am, Johnathon L. Stapleton (28) was located and taken into custody for 1st Degree Arson. He was subsequently booked into Spokane County Jail.

Related photos were released by authorities, showing evidence of the arson. The SPD is urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigation.

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