Four arrested for arson in three counties

Investigators worked throughout the weekend recently to catch and jail four people who they believe are responsible for a three-county arson spree this past weekend. 



Eli J. Johnson, 24, of Eltopia; his half-brother Arthur Raymond Johnson, 36, of Eltopia; Teresa A. Farris, 24, of Othello; and Nicole M. Mink, 31, of Eltopia, are lodged in the Franklin County Jail on suspicion of arson, malicious mischief and criminal trespassing for an arson spree, which started Friday night and ended late Sunday.



The investigation is still underway, but evidence suggests the foursome set out Friday night setting a series of fires in Franklin and Adams counties, which damaged or destroyed abandoned buildings and other property.

That arson spree continued into Grant County, including fires that destroyed four haystacks valued at $300,000, and an abandoned former army barracks in Mae Valley.

In all, the four are suspected of setting four fires in Franklin County, eight fires in Grant County and at least four fires in Adams County. 



The foursome was eventually arrested Sunday night when they returned to the scene of one of the fires in Franklin County and a deputy sheriff saw they were in a car which matched the description of a vehicle which witnesses said earlier fled the scene. 



“We were able to focus on these four suspects thanks to a tip sent in by a citizen,” said Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones. “With that information, Grant County Sheriff’s Deputies and Grant County Fire Marshal investigators were able to follow up and develop information which ties these four to the Grant County fires. It was a good arrest by the Franklin County deputy, who undoubtedly stopped the suspects before anyone got hurt.”



The investigation continues, and anyone with information about any suspicious fires that happened this past weekend is asked to contact investigators.

Grant County can be reached at 509-762-1160 or information sent to [email protected]. Adams County Sheriff’s Dispatch can be contacted at 509-659-1122.

The case number is 14GS03173 and tipsters can remain anonymous.