CRIME BLOTTER

Chelan Hills Fire court update: 2 plead not guilty, trial set for Nov. 17

Sep 28, 2026, 4:00 PM

Chelan Hills Fire...

The Chelan Hills Fire. (Photo courtesy of Eastside Fire and Rescue via KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of Eastside Fire and Rescue via KIRO 7)

Four of the five suspects arrested in connection with the July 4 Chelan Hills Fire appeared in Douglas County court Monday.

A 19-year-old Roy man made his initial appearance on charges including first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault.

The judge set his bail at $1 million. He is due back in court on Oct. 5.

Valentin Tabunscic, 18, Julian Mikityuk, 19, and Mark Okhrimchik, 19, were charged with first-degree manslaughter, arson, malicious mischief, and six counts of assault.

Chelan Hills Fire pleas and court dates

Tabunscic and Mikityuk pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their trial date is set for Nov. 17. Okhrimchik’s arraignment was postponed until Oct. 1.

Earlier this month, authorities charged Michael Yakimov, an 18-year-old Kent man, with the same crimes.

Investigators say fireworks sparked deadly July 4 fire

Investigators said fireworks launched from a moving truck sparked the July 4 fire, which killed a man and multiple dogs, burned nearly 10,000 acres, and destroyed more than 100 homes and buildings. Six firefighters were injured. A video of the fireworks being launched can be seen here.

Authorities are still looking for at least one additional outstanding suspect.

Crime Blotter

robbery...

James Lynch

Robbery suspect arrested after barricading himself in Seattle apartment

A suspect was taken into custody early this morning after a reported shoplifting involving a gun, leading authorities to an apartment in Seattle.

12 hours ago

marijuana...

Aaron Granillo

Nearly 2,700 marijuana plants seized in Snohomish County

Authorities said a complaint about a “strong odor” of marijuana led investigators to an illegal cannabis grow operation in Snohomish County.

16 hours ago

Yakima Mayor Crash Mariners Player Wife Killed...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Dave Edler, former Mariners player and Yakima mayor, injured in crash that killed wife

Former Yakima Mayor Dave Edler, who also played third base for the Seattle Mariners remains hospitalized after a crash that killed his wife, Susan, on Sunday.

17 hours ago

king county deputy stabbing bail...

Luke Duecy

Man accused of stabbing King County deputy misses court appearance, triggering search

King County Sheriff's deputies want answers about why a man accused of stabbing a deputy was allowed to post bail for far less than prosecutors requested.

20 hours ago

Spokane County Deputy Parker Perry Dies Spangle...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Second deputy dies following Spangle shooting in Spokane County

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office announced Monday Deputy Parker Perry officially passed away. Perry succumbed to his injuries after a shooting in Spangle.

20 hours ago

ballard business burglary...

JASON SLOSS, KIRO 7

Ballard business owner stops suspected thieves during attempted burglary

A Ballard deli owner says he chased suspects after they rammed his car during an attempted burglary early Saturday morning.

23 hours ago

Chelan Hills Fire court update: 2 plead not guilty, trial set for Nov. 17