Naytahwaush (trfnews.i234.me) — A Naytahwaush man is facing felony arson charges after a reported grass fire in Mahnomen County.
David William Jack III is charged in Mahnomen County District Court.
The case was filed under court file number 44-CR-26-248.
The complaint lists three charges against Jack.
They include second-degree arson and wildfire arson.
He is also charged with possessing flammable material to set a wildfire.
The alleged incident happened on April 29, 2026.
Witness Reported Grass Fires
According to the complaint, deputies were called to 127 3rd Avenue.
The call came in around 12:30 p.m.
The report involved a fire in Naytahwaush.
A witness, Tabitha Porter, told deputies she saw “DaeDae” start the grass on fire.
The complaint says “DaeDae” was later identified as David William Jack III.
Porter said Jack used a lighter to start fires in three spots.
The burning grass spread through yards at 126 3rd Avenue and 130 Center Street.
The complaint says one house had melted siding.
Suspect Later Found At Village Store
Porter told deputies Jack wore a red hoodie and black shorts.
She also said he walked toward Mary Roy’s place.
Deputies then spoke with Mary Roy, according to the complaint.
Roy reported seeing Jack walk toward New Circle.
Deputies later found Jack at the Village Store.
The complaint says Jack had a Bic lighter hanging from his shorts.
Jack claimed he had been at his grandmother’s all day.
His grandmother told deputies they arrived at the store about 30 minutes earlier.
Store video showed Jack entering the store at 1:43 p.m., according to the complaint.
Felony Charges Filed
The second-degree arson charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.562.
That charge carries up to 10 years in prison.
It also carries a possible $20,000 fine.
The wildfire arson charges cite Minnesota Statute 609.5641.
One count of wildfire arson carries up to 5 years in prison.
That count also carries a possible $10,000 fine.
The flammable-material charge is listed as a gross misdemeanor.
It carries a maximum of 364 days in jail.
More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Jack is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.