Accused arsonist fails to show in court

A man charged for his alleged involvement in an arson that destroyed thousands of dollars of merchandise at a Kalispell business failed to show for his arraignment Thursday in Flathead County District Court.

Arnold Wayne Deans, 45, of Kalispell, was charged with one felony count of negligent arson, and one misdemeanor count of theft, in relation to his alleged involvement in a fire that occurred at 2:30 a.m., Thursday, April 19 was at Rick Anderson’s Snow Jobs and Dirt Stuff on Center Street.

District Court Judge Amy Eddy granted deputy county attorney Stacy Boman’s request to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. His bond was set at $25,000.

He was jailed briefly before posting a surety bond May 17 through a private company.

According to a previous news release from the Kalispell Police Department, Deans turned himself in May 11 after his photo was posted on the department’s social media site. Numerous tips were also generated and processed through Crime Stoppers.

According to Kalispell Police Department Detective Jim Wardensky, the blaze caused at least $50,000 in damage to snowmobiles, four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles parked at the property.

According to court documents, Detective Wardensky interviewed Deans May 10 and Deans said he called another man for a ride so he could get gas for a truck. Deans said he was using his lighter while trying to siphon gas from a snowmobile and the fumes from the gas must have ignited.

Deans is facing a maximum term of 20 years in the Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine on the arson charge. For the theft count, he is facing six months in the county jail and a maximum $1,500 fine.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.