Arrest made after deadly detonation
A young man suspected of bringing explosives to a weekend party is under arrest following the death of a 28-year-old who was fatally injured when one of the devices detonated.
Facing a felony charge of possession or manufacture of an incendiary device is Christapher A. Harris, 20, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators believe he brought homemade explosives to a party Saturday in the 3100 block of East Denison-Chattaroy Road.
Partygoers reportedly tried to detonate one of the devices in a driveway, but it didn’t explode right away. The victim, whose identity is being withheld by the Sheriff’s Office, apparently approached the device, which then exploded. He died shortly after the incident.
Many of the 45 to 50 partygoers had already left the area by the time authorities arrived, but investigators talked to the 15 or 20 left at the home and were able to identify Harris as a suspect, said sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Reagan. About a half-dozen additional explosive devices reportedly were found on the scene.
Harris was arrested about 12:15 p.m. Sunday as he left his girlfriend’s home near Deer Park, Reagan said.
Deputies towed Harris’ truck to the Sheriff’s Office and expect to search it today.