Explosive incident leads to arrest at fairgrounds

A man was arrested following a report that a backpack exploded during a gold-mining event at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Sunday.

John P. Marsh, 21, of Midpines, Calif., was arrested on suspicion of arson, aggravated assault, and obstructing a peace officer, according to a press release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office. Detectives continue to investigate and additional charges are possible.

The release said KCSO deputies learned that two vendors appeared to be in a dispute on Saturday. On Sunday about 1:15 p.m., the son of one of the vendors approached the other vendor and threw a backpack under the vendor’s table, the release said. 

"The backpack caught fire and was quickly picked up and thrown outside the building, where it continued to burn," according to the release.

KCSO deputies and Coeur d’Alene police officers detained the suspect without further incident. No injuries were reported and the 27th annual Northwest Gold Prospectors Association's Gold Prospecting and Treasure Show continued.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue responded and rendered the backpack safe. Investigators located additional accelerants inside the bag that did not appear to ignite, the release said.

Because the vendors are staying at a hotel in Coeur d’Alene, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department is assisting with the investigation.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been contacted and will also assist with the investigation.