Vehicle destroyed in business parking lot

POST FALLS — Authorities believe a fire that engulfed and destroyed a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 car on Sunday was arson.

The fire was reported at 11:17 a.m. in the parking lot of the Lounge Fly night club at the River City Center at the northeast corner of Highway 41 and Mullan Avenue.

"It's being investigated as arson because there's no reason for the interior to self-ignite," said Jeryl Archer, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue fire marshal. "It's a suspicious fire."

Post Falls police Capt. Greg McLean said the male suspect was wearing all-black clothes and had a black ski mask on. The suspect fled in a newer red Nissan Altima car and exited the north end of the parking lot and proceeded north on Highway 41. The suspect was last seen turning westbound onto 12th Street off of Highway 41.

Detectives said the female victim, who works at Lounge Fly, knows a person of interest in the case.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from area businesses in the case.

Archer said witnesses reported that the suspect broke a driver's side window before setting the car on fire.

The suspect was seen throwing something inside the vehicle, according to police.

Archer declined to comment on the possible specific method the suspect used to start the fire, citing the pending investigation.

The Mercedes has California plates with "Mrs. Says," but the victim recently moved to Post Falls, according to police.

KCFR and Post Falls Police are collaborating on the investigation. The car was transported to the Post Falls police station for the investigation.

Those with information are urged to call Post Falls Police at 773-3517, leave a tip at www.postfallspolice.com or call KCFR at 777-8500.