WHEATLAND COUNTY, Mont. – A Wheatland County Sheriff’s Office investigation into a dangerous arson incident near a gas line in Harlowton led to the eventual arrest of a suspect in Helena.
The case began when Wheatland County deputies responded to a reported fire at the Troy Motel in Harlowton around 4 a.m. on August 1.
Deputies’ investigation determined the fire had been “intentionally set” near a gas line. The sheriff’s office said its Friday statement about the incident that it conducted interviews and gathered evidence over the next several days.
The investigation led the office to identify a suspect and request a felony arrest warrant for him. The warrant was later issued.
A collaboration with the Helena Police Department led the sheriff’s office to find the suspect in Helena, where police arrested him.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect was charged with seven counts of criminal endangerment, criminal mischief and negligent arson with risk to serious bodily injury or death.