The investigation into the fire at a large apartment complex on Pullman’s Military Hill is expected to continue for another day. Authorities are looking into the incident involving 40-year-old Elijah Reagan, who is suspected of using an explosive device to ignite the fire in his apartment building on Larry Street. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but several units were affected by the flames. The Pullman Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from federal law enforcement, including the ATF. Chief Aaron Breshears indicated that they may accept the offer of support from federal agents and hopes to conclude the on-scene investigation by Tuesday night. The Spokane Bomb Squad conducted a search of the building on Sunday night and did not uncover any further explosive devices.

Reagan was apprehended following an armed standoff with local law enforcement and the Whitman County Regional SWAT Team. He was taken into custody late Sunday night on U.S. Highway 195, just south of Uniontown in Idaho. Reagan is currently held in the Lewiston jail awaiting extradition to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office jail in Colfax, where he is expected to face arson charges. Chief Breshears noted that the pursuit prior to the standoff took place on rural roads in Whitman County and continued down to Colton and onto the highway.

Fire Chief Ryan Scharnhorst confirmed that the affected apartment building contained 18 units, with six units sustaining damage from the fire. Residents of the building are currently unable to return to their homes until both the police and fire department investigations are finalized. The Red Cross has established a shelter for those displaced by the fire at Pullman City Hall.