One arrest made in connection with recent Polson car fire incident

Polson Police Department announced on Wednesday, July 15, that an individual has been arrested in alleged connection to the vehicle fire during Fourth of July weekend near the intersection of Division Street and First Street East. 

At approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, officers responded to a report of a vehicle fire. At the scene, officers discovered that the fire had spread from one vehicle to several others parked nearby. 

The Polson Fire Department, along with the Polson Rural Fire Department, quickly responded and extinguished the blaze. However, the Polson Police Department press release stated that despite their efforts, multiple vehicles sustained significant damage or were destroyed. 

The ensuing investigation determined that a male suspect was allegedly attempting to siphon gasoline from parked vehicles belonging to customers of a nearby automotive repair business. According to the press release, the gasoline ignited, causing the fire to spread to neighboring vehicles.

Andrew Bybee was arrested in alleged connection with the incident and has been charged with felony criminal mischief, according to the Polson Police Department. 

“This incident serves as a reminder that criminal activity can have serious and unintended consequences that put lives and property at risk,” stated Polson Chief of Police George Simpson. 

“I want to commend the swift response of our officers, our fire service partners, and our neighboring law enforcement agencies,” Simpson stated. “Their teamwork and professionalism helped bring this dangerous situation under control quickly and ensured the suspect was taken into custody.”