Convicted Felon, Previously Convicted for Reckless Burning, Arrested for Starting Brush Fire Near Gateway Park
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a brush fire on the Centennial Trail near Gateway Park. Working with SVFD Firefighters, and thanks to an alert Washington State Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer who reported the fire immediately, Deputies located a male believed to have started the fire. He was later booked into jail for Reckless Burning 2nd Degree. The suspect was found to be a convicted felon with 13 prior misdemeanor/felony convictions, including a previous Reckless Burning 2nd Degree conviction.
On June 21, 2025, at approximately 3:35 pm, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to assist Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Firefighters at the scene of a brush fire near Gateway Park on the Centennial Trail.
Arriving Deputies spoke with SVFD Crews, who had already brought the brush fire under control. They learned that a possible suspect, an adult male, was holding a lighter approximately 100 yards to the west of the fire location.
The male suspect, later identified as 45-year-old Christopher S. Walser, was sitting in some dry brush along the Centennial Trail. When Walser noticed the Deputies, he lifted his hand in a one-finger hand gesture. As Deputies approached, Walser was observed holding a light blue lighter in his hand. Next to him was a white plastic grocery bag with what appeared to be a burn hole, and his clothing seemed to have multiple burn holes.
Walser was advised that he was being detained for the investigation and asked if he was present when the fire occurred. Walser replied, “Absolutely.” When asked what happened, Walser said, “Nothing.” Deputies noted Walser seemed very intoxicated and slurred his words heavily. He then said, “Shoot me in the face. Shoot me right now.”
Due to his intoxication level and erratic statements, Walser was placed in handcuffs. He declined to answer questions after being advised of his rights.
Deputies contacted the original caller, an alert Washington State Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer working at the Port of Entry. He explained that he noticed the brush fire, observed Walser walking away from a tree where it started, and immediately reported the fire.
Deputies checked Walser’s name and learned he was a convicted felon with 13 misdemeanor/felony convictions, one of which was for Reckless Burning 2nd Degree.
Deputies advised Walser that he was under arrest, charged with misdemeanor Reckless Burning 2nd Degree. He was then transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
At the time of this release, Walser remained in custody with a total bond of $5,000 set by Spokane County District Court Judge P. Johnson.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Convicted Felon, Previously Convicted for Reckless Burning, Arrested for Starting Brush Fire" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7