Spokane Valley Man Arrested for Arson

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  Spokane Valley Deputies arrested 21-year-old Joseph C. Procell Jr. on August 15, 2026“On August 15, 2026, at approximately 4:45 am, Spokane Valley Deputies, along with Spokane Valley Firefighters, responded to a report of a brush fire on the Appleway Trail, west of Steen Road, in Spokane Valley.”
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. was arrested for Arson 1st Degree and Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree“Procell was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for charges of Arson 1st Degree and Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, both felonies.”
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. started a brush fire on Appleway TrailNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. reported the fire to authorities“Deputies determined Procell had reported the fire, and when asked what happened and who started it, he stated he saw a person start the fire and walk away, adding that he didn’t start it.”
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  Deputies initially detained Joseph C. Procell Jr.“Additional Deputies contacted Procell and detained him.”
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. was released without arrest after he reported the fire and denied involvement“Deputies determined Procell had reported the fire, and when asked what happened and who started it, he stated he saw a person start the fire and walk away, adding that he didn’t start it. He admitted to having a lighter and that he did not smoke but did with his friends sometimes. Deputies advised Procell of his rights, and he refused to answer additional questions. Deputies noted nearby businesses had cameras, but they were unable to contact anyone who could access them. They did collect an aerosol can of Heat Starter Fluid near the burnt area of the fire. Without probable cause to arrest Procell, Deputies released him from custody as they continued to work on the case.”
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  Hours later, video evidence from a business showed Joseph C. Procell Jr. starting the fire“A few hours later, they contacted a business and obtained video of the fire’s start, which showed a suspect, believed to be Procell, start the fire and walk away.”
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. walked away from the fire“In the video, Procell does not appear to try to extinguish the fire. Instead, he walked away, stopped, and appeared to take a photo before he reported it.”
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. took a photo before reporting it“In the video, Procell does not appear to try to extinguish the fire. Instead, he walked away, stopped, and appeared to take a photo before he reported it.”
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  Fire personnel had to cut a fence to access the fire“Fire personnel had to cut a fence to access the fire, which caused approximately $2,000 in damage due to the suspect's destructive actions.”
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  $2,000 in damage was caused“fire personnel had to cut a fence to access the fire, which caused approximately $2,000 in damage due to the suspect's destructive actions.”
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. was arrested at 2:30 p.m.“They relocated and arrested him at approximately 2:30 pm.”
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  Joseph C. Procell Jr. was booked into Spokane County Jail“Procell was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for charges of Arson 1st Degree and Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, both felonies.”