ELK — An arson arrest was made last Saturday in Elk, Wash., after a concerned citizen called 911 with a report that someone was possibly starting a grass fire.  

Officials from the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office announced that 53-year-old Ronald A. Riek Jr. of Elk was arrested after officials found his vehicle crashed into a ditch. Officials shared that after an initial investigation, they believed Riek had been driving while intoxicated and had attempted to start a fire on Allen Road, when he then allegedly fled the scene, lost control of his vehicle, and crashed into the ditch.  

Riek was booked into Pend Oreille County Jail and charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, outdoor burning and arson in the second degree. 

According to a Pend Oreille County inmate list, Riek was released from the jail Aug. 3.  

“I would like to thank the citizens who reported the incident and aided in the apprehension of Mr. Riek,” said Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee in a press release.  

At the time of publishing, the investigation is currently ongoing.