Arrest made in Ellensburg arson investigations
Arson investigation, First United Methodist Church, Ellensburg
An Ellensburg man suspected of setting five fires over the past two months has been arrested.
20-year-old Zachary Vantuyl was taken into custody Tuesday night and booked on two counts of arson 1st degree, two counts of arson 2nd degree and one count of arson 1st degree.
The resulting fires which occured at two occupied dwellings, a church, a food bank and a barn at the fairgrounds caused more than $325,000 in property.
The Ellensburg Police Department, in conjunction with the Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue and Kittitas County Fire Marshal's Office has been intensely investigating.
A person of interest was developed through evidence obtained from the fires and taking statements provided by witnesses on the scene of the arson.