How a Grandfather’s Sharp Eyes Helped Catch an Arson Suspect in Washington

The Day Everything Changed

On a regular Saturday in August 2026, Paul Child was driving with his grandson near Spokane, Washington. They were in a rural area when something caught their attention — a bald man in a green T-shirt and backpack pacing beside the road.

Important Point: Paul didn’t think much of it at first. But 15 minutes later, on their way back, they saw the same man in the same spot — only this time, he was bent over near some bushes by railroad tracks, acting nervous when he saw their car.

The Fire Starts

Soon after Paul got home, his daughter shouted — there was a fire! Paul ran outside and saw thick smoke rising from the exact spot where he’d seen the man.

"That S.O.B. started a fire," Paul said.

He was right.

Who Was the Man?

The suspicious man turned out to be Aaron Farinacci, 37 — a Spokane resident with a troubling past:

• 2010: Shot and killed his father during an argument about washing dishes
• 2012: Pleaded guilty to manslaughter (a lesser charge than murder) and served 12 years in prison
• Released: December 2020
• Summer 2025: Questioned by police about two other fires near his home — but not charged

How Paul Helped Catch Him

Paul’s quick thinking made all the difference. Here’s what happened step by step:

1. Paul Called 911

His daughter called emergency services while Paul ran to warn neighbors.

2. Flagged Down Police

A police officer arrived, and Paul told him everything — what the man looked like, where he was, how he acted nervous.

3. The Officer Acted Fast

The officer shared Paul’s description with other deputies and helped Paul’s family evacuate with their animals.

4. Positive Identification

As Paul was leaving his driveway, the officer said: "We detained someone matching your description."
Paul, his grandson, and his grandson’s friend went with police and confirmed it was the same man.

Why Was He Let Go at First?

Important Point: Even though Paul identified him, Farinacci was released that same day. Here’s why:

• Deputies were focused on evacuations and saving lives
• They didn’t yet know exactly where the fire started (the "point of origin")
• They didn’t realize Farinacci was seen at the exact spot the fire began
• Farinacci claimed he was just walking his usual 4-mile loop

What Police Found on Him

When deputies searched Farinacci’s fanny pack, they found:

• Cigarettes
• A butane lighter
• A box of heavy-duty waterproof matches

Farinacci said he carries matches in case his lighter runs out.

The Breakthrough: Fire Investigators Do Their Job

The next day (Sunday), a state fire investigator — a specialist who figures out how fires start — went to the scene. Here’s what they discovered:

The Arrest

On Monday, with all the evidence lined up:

• Witness description (Paul Child)
• Exact fire origin location
• Fire cause matches items on suspect
• Prior suspicious fire contacts
• Body camera footage from earlier encounters

…police got an arrest warrant and took Farinacci into custody without incident.

Court Appearance

• Tuesday: Farinacci appeared via video from jail
• Charge: First-degree arson (a very serious felony)
• Bail: Set at $1 million
• Next hearing: Arraignment scheduled for Thursday

The Bigger Picture: Three Fires, Massive Damage

The Old Trails Fire was just the first of three fires that started that Saturday. Together, they’ve caused:

• 10,000+ acres burned (that’s over 7,500 football fields!)
• Hundreds of homes destroyed
• Tens of thousands evacuated
• Firefighters risking their lives daily to contain the blazes

Paul’s Mixed Feelings

Paul Child is grateful his home was spared, but he knows many neighbors lost everything.

"I can’t really do anything to ease the pain and the devastation," he said. "But at least I can give them some kind of comfort knowing my efforts helped investigators find the suspect."

Summary

• Paul Child saw a man acting strangely near railroad tracks
• 15 minutes later, a fire started exactly there
• Paul reported what he saw to police immediately
• The man was Aaron Farinacci — a convicted killer with a history of suspicious fires
• He was briefly detained but released because police didn’t yet have all the facts
• Fire investigators later proved the fire started where Farinacci was seen kneeling
• Farinacci had matches and a lighter — the exact tools needed to start the fire
• He was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree arson
• The fire is one of three devastating blazes in the Spokane area

FAQ

1. What is "first-degree arson"?

It’s the most serious arson charge. It means someone intentionally set fire to a building, property, or wildland area, knowing it could endanger lives or property. It carries severe prison time.

2. Why was Farinacci let go the first time?

Police were overwhelmed with evacuations and emergency response. They didn’t yet know the exact fire origin point or that Farinacci was seen right at that spot. Once fire investigators confirmed the origin, they had enough for an arrest warrant.

3. What does a "state fire investigator" do?

Think of them like fire detectives. They’re specially trained to examine burn patterns, collect evidence, and determine exactly where and how a fire started — whether it was accidental, natural (like lightning), or human-caused.

4. Has Farinacci been convicted of this arson?

Not yet. He’s been charged (formally accused), but he’s innocent until proven guilty in court. His arraignment (where he enters a plea) is scheduled for Thursday.

5. How can regular people help in situations like this?

• Trust your gut — if something looks wrong, it probably is
• Take mental notes: clothing, description, location, direction of travel
• Call 911 immediately — don’t assume someone else will
• Stay safe — don’t confront suspects yourself
• Cooperate with police — your observations can save lives and property

Final Thought: One observant grandfather, one phone call, and one dedicated fire investigator — together, they may have stopped a dangerous pattern before even more damage was done.