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Suspected arsonist arrested in connection with fires at public schools in Kalispell

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | August 10, 2026 8:00 AM

Updated 4:28 p.m.

Authorities have arrested a 25-year-old Kalispell man in connection with two fires allegedly set at public schools in the city on Monday. 

Dalton Andrew Cogar is being held in the county jail on pending felony arson charges and an alleged probation violation, officials said.

Kalispell Police officers responded to a fire at Edgerton Elementary School about 1:11 a.m., Aug. 10. About an hour later, fire alarms at Glacier High School drew first responders to that campus. Once there, investigators discovered evidence of a second blaze.  

Evidence collected at both schools indicated the fires were intentionally set, officials said. 

Officers arrested Cogar about 12:15 p.m., authorities said. 

There is no current information indicating an ongoing threat to students, staff or the broader community, officials said. Police are working closely with Kalispell Public Schools and fire investigators.

Details regarding the evidence are being withheld to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio said.

Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen said the fires occurred in classroom spaces. He said the extent of the damage is being assessed but does not anticipate it will delay the first day of school on Aug. 26.  

Authorities urged anyone with information related to these incidents, or who saw suspicious activity near the schools, to contact the Kalispell Police Department at 406-758-7780. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins contributed to this report. 

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