Florida Man Faces Arson Charges

Wed., May 24, 1995

From Staff And Wire Reports

A Florida man was brought to Kootenai County Monday to face first-degree arson charges.

Randell E. Williams, formerly of Harrison, was arrested in Daytona Beach, Fla., said Kootenai County sheriff’s Detective Jerry Wiedenhoff.

Sheriff’s officials believe Williams, 37, set a log home on fire in September 1994.

According to a sheriff’s report, Williams had been staying in the Harrison home on Jenny Lane. On the night of the fire, the homeowner, Rodney Perry, fell asleep in a separate building.

Perry was awakened by Williams, who was screaming that the house was on fire, according to the report.

Williams told the homeowner that he tried to start a fire in the wood stove by using a can of gasoline. Williams said the fire accidentally got out of control, according to the report.

The log home was destroyed in the blaze. Williams is being held on $50,000 bail.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Florida Man Faces Arson Charges

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Midair collision sparks crash at Idaho air show; crews ejected, ‘found safe’

Rathdrum mayor resigns amid domestic battery investigation

Habit Burger and Grill opens in Coeur d'Alene