Suspect Arrested For Brush Fire And Theft; Later Charged In $640,000 Furniture Store Arson (Photo) - 09/03/26
On September 3, 2026, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) detectives added a first-degree arson charge against a man already in custody following his arrest for a separate brush fire and theft.
The investigation began on August 28, 2026, when CCSO deputies arrested 31-year-old Josue Paredes Merino on multiple charges, including second-degree theft and reckless burning.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., a witness called 911 to report seeing Paredes Merino start a brush fire near the 4000 block of NE 119th Avenue, near the Interstate 205 overpass. The fire burned less than 200 square feet before Clark County Fire District 6 extinguished it. No other property was damaged.
Deputies later located Paredes Merino after he allegedly stole a bicycle from a nearby residence. The victim confronted Paredes Merino and held him at gunpoint near the 2200 block of Brookview Drive until deputies arrived and took him into custody.
Approximately two hours before the brush fire was reported, Clark County Fire District 5 responded to a large fire at Furniture World SW, 7017 NE Saint Johns Road. Multiple people were inside the business when the fire began and were able to safely evacuate. Damage to the business is estimated at more than $640,000.
The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the Furniture World fire and determined it was intentionally set, identifying two separate areas of origin. Investigators also located surveillance video showing a person matching Paredes Merino’s description near an area where the fire is believed to have started.
Based on the Fire Marshal’s investigation and additional follow-up by detectives with the CCSO Tactical Detective Unit, Paredes Merino was charged on September 3 with first-degree arson (RCW 9A.48.020) in connection with the Furniture World fire.
Paredes Merino is also a person of interest in a third fire that occurred around the same time in an area between the Furniture World fire and the brush fire. That incident remains under investigation.
Paredes Merino remains in custody at the Clark County Jail.
