Transient Admits Setting Fire To Inn

A 26-year-old transient was arrested on a charge of second-degree arson Sunday after admitting he set fire to the Alpine Inn, according to police reports.

Fire and police officials also are investigating the possibility that Denis W. Bateman was involved in setting other fires in the area.

Bateman told police he started a fire Saturday at the Alpine Inn because he was “mad at his mother,” police said. It isn’t clear how his anger is connected to the fire, because the motel isn’t owned by Bateman’s family.

The fire was discovered in the motel office late Saturday. It caused approximately $3,000 damage to the carpet and walls before being extinguished by the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.

Bateman was seen near the Alpine Inn just before the fire and was questioned by police that same night. He was questioned again later and then arrested.

Bateman made his first appearance in District Court Monday, and remained jailed on $25,000 bail.

, DataTimes