Man charged with attempted murder, first-degree arson for allegedly setting girlfriend’s house on fire

A man suspected of setting multiple fires at his girlfriend’s home while she was inside has been charged with attempted murder and first-degree arson.

David E. Weimer, 55, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon by Cheney police and U.S. Marshals Service deputies.

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies say Weimer arrived at about 11:30 p.m. Monday at his girlfriend’s home in the 16200 block of South Sherman Road, where he allegedly set four separate fires, including at both doors and two different areas along the exterior walls, according to a news release.

The woman, who was sleeping at the time, said she awoke to a loud boom and “realized her residence was on fire,” the news release says. She originally could not exit due to the flames but was able to escape and call 911.

The woman told deputies she had recently broke up with Weimer, and that he had begun sending her threatening texts and emails.

A search of the area revealed evidence of “pre-planning,” sheriff’s deputies said in the news release. They found new match cartons, butane fuel containers, cigarettes, a bottle of whiskey, soda bottles and two gas containers.

Spokane County District Court Judge Jennifer Fassbender set Weimer’s bond at $500,000 Wednesday.

The victim was in the court room and was upset the prosecuting attorney and the judge didn’t issue a no-contact order.

The prosecutor, named Court Hall, said he mistakenly didn’t request one, but after realizing it, the judge brought Weimer back into court a second time to issue the no-contact order.