Walsh County, ND: Park River Man Charged With Arson
WALSH COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Park River man is facing multiple felony charges, including arson and cutting gas lines, after a Saturday fire investigation in that town.
According to information from the Walsh County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to 119 Pine Street in Park River on a report of a structure fire. A second call soon came in for a gas line on fire, which investigators later determined was part of the same incident.
The suspect, identified as Patrick Aune of Park River, has been charged with arson (Class B felony), contact by bodily fluids (Class C felony), two counts of criminal mischief (Class C felonies), preventing arrest, and reckless endangerment.
According to court documents, witnesses reported that Aune started a fire inside the home by pouring gasoline and cutting an active gas line. Deputies arrived on scene and saw Aune inside the burning home. After forcing entry, officers ordered him to come out, and he eventually complied.
Investigators later discovered that gas lines had been cut at three additional locations across Park River. All were cut using a grinder. Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) estimated the total repair cost at approximately $2,000.
While being taken into custody, Aune reportedly resisted arrest, and deputies came into contact with his blood. He was medically cleared before being booked into the Walsh County Jail in Grafton, where he remains as of Sunday.
Formal charges are pending review by the Walsh County State’s Attorney. No injuries were reported, and the fire has been extinguished. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
