A Clarkston man has been arrested for allegedly trying to burn down the Hacienda Lodge on Bridge Street in Clarkston twice last week.
61-year-old Thomas Austin was taken into custody Saturday on first-degree arson charges. His bond was set at $50,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 1 in Asotin County Superior Court.
Austin is accused of setting two fires at the motel last Wednesday and again Saturday.
According to a news release, during the investigation, Clarkston police found surveillance video that positively connects Austin to the two fires. The motel was severely damaged, but no injuries were reported.
Court documents show an arrest warrant was previously issued to Austin for another first-degree arson case, though no details have been released.
First-degree arson is a Class A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $50,000 fine. (Lewiston Tribune)
