Pullman arson suspect surrenders after standoff at WA-Idaho border

An apartment complex fire in Pullman, believed to be intentionally set, resulted in a police chase across state lines on Sunday night.

Elijah Regan, 40, is the primary arson suspect of the fire in the 100 block of N.W. Larry Street, the Pullman Police Department (PPD) announced.

At approximately 5:38 p.m., Pullman police and fire, the Moscow Fire Department, and Whitman County Fire District 12 responded to reports of an active fire.

Pullman police determine the possibility of arson

PPD officers learned a resident of the apartment building may have intentionally caused an explosion inside his unit, which led to the building catching fire.

Emergency responders immediately evacuated residents as Pullman fire worked to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported, although the apartment building was severely damaged.

Displaced residents were transported to Pullman Presbyterian Church and an American Red Cross shelter at the Pullman Senior Center.

PPD quickly worked to locate Regan. As a precaution, members of the Spokane County Bomb Squad responded to the apartment complex.

At approximately 8:04 p.m., a Whitman County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputy located Regan’s vehicle traveling on State Route (SR) 194. PPD, WCSO, and Washington State Patrol (WSP) engaged in a pursuit of Regan’s vehicle.

Regan was driving “erratically and at excessive speeds,” according to PPD. At 8:34 p.m., a negotiator made telephone contact with Regan, who eventually agreed to pull over and continue negotiating by phone.

The suspect stopped his vehicle just past the Idaho state line at the junction of SR 195 and Highway 95. After a lengthy standoff with law enforcement, Regan peacefully surrendered to officers.

Regan was taken into custody at 11:41 p.m. and booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on charges of arson in the first degree and attempting to elude pursuing police vehicles.

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