SPOKANE, Wash. — Several animals are dead after a man purposefully set a house on fire after an argument, according to the Spokane Police Department (SPD).
On Wednesday, officers responded to a house fire on East Desmet near Stone Park. When authorities arrived, the house was completely engulfed in flames. All people in the house got out safely but two dogs died, according to SPD.
According to the Spokane Fire Department (SFD), a mattress was set on fire and quickly set the room ablaze.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Rodney Barnhill, left the house before officers arrived. Shortly after, another fire was reported in the area but SPD doesn't know if the two are related.
Officers found the suspect hiding a few blocks away and had probable cause to arrest him for arson and a court order violation, police say.
Officers on scene say Barnhill was uncooperative with authorities and at one point, held a knife to his neck threatening to hurt himself. SPD also says he made statements in effort to provoke officers into shooting him.
SPD negotiated with the suspect for more than a half hour, Barnhill finally surrendered with no resistance. Barnhill was arrested for first-degree arson and a court order violation.
Barnhill was previously released from jail for a domestic violence charge. Police believe he committed the alleged arson during that time.
He was back in court Thursday where his bond was set at $150,000. During that hearing, Barnhill was seen arguing with two corrections officers, before being taken out of the courtroom.
Barnhill will be back in court on January 29 for his domestic violence charges.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates as police release more details.
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