Press Release: Arson Arrest Press Release
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On July 13, 2018, Winlock Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed single-wide mobile home fire at a trailer park located at 380 Minkler Road, Winlock. The fire was investigated by a Fire Investigator from Chehalis Fire Department and Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Detective J. S. Humphrey.
The victim in this investigation is a 36-year-old female, whose loss amounted to about $5,000 in personal property. The mobile home was valued at about $15,000, and was a total loss. In addition, a second victim in this case is a 28-year-old male from Winlock who is associated with the female.
A suspect was identified as 32-year-old Jason V. Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan was booked into the jail on July 26, 2018, for Arson 2nd degree and Felony Harassment Threats to Kill, as Buchanan was making threats to the male victim.
The investigation revealed that on July 13, between 6:00 and 6:30 A.M., Buchanan started the fire in the residence because of a marital dispute. The home was not occupied at the time of the fire. Investigators found that Buchanan made several statements to various people about causing the fire.
Sheriff Rob Snaza said, “This is an outstanding performance and teamwork by Detective Humphrey and the Chehalis Fire Investigator, working in partnerships in solving a crime like this that devastated a family, and could have impacted so many more if the fire had spread to other homes.”
Anyone having information on this crime or any other crime, should contact the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at (360) 748-9286.
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