Suspect in Pocatello shooting accused of trying to start fire in a hotel
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TWIN FALLS– The man who is suspected of being connected to the shooting of a Pocatello man inside his home allegedly tried to start a fire at a Motel in Twin Falls.
Christopher W. Wilson, 18, is charged with felony 1st degree attempted arson, felony possession of a stolen vehicle and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
According to court documents obtained by EastIdahoNews.com, Twin Falls police received a call from Nampa Dispatch on Nov. 16 saying a man assisted another man on the interstate, later identified as Wilson. The caller said he loaded a motorcycle and purchased a room for Wilson at a Motel 6 in Twin Falls for the night.
Police where then dispatched around 8:30 p.m. to the motel in Twin Falls to make contact with Wilson. When police arrived at the hotel, the stolen motorcycle was found in the hallway. Police then knocked on the door of the room several times and received no answer, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
In their report, the officer said Wilson was reported to be on drugs and may attempt suicide by cop. When the officer returned to the room Wilson was supposedly staying in, the door slightly opened and the keys of the motorcycle was handed to the officer. Police then observed Wilson go and sit on the bed of the room and call his girlfriend on the phone.
Wilson was advised by the officer he would be arresting him for possession of the stolen motorcycle and in addition had a warrant out of Bannock county for the alleged connection to the shooting. They also advised him to surrender without making it worse for himself, according to court documents.
“I observed Wilson throw a sweatshirt on the floor and light it on fire. Once the sweatshirt was on fire, he attempted to hold some kind of paper above it to accelerate the flame,” according to court documents.
Police then kicked in the door and arrested Wilson who struggled throughout the entire incident. Wilson was then transported to the Twin Falls Criminal Justice Facility.
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On Nov. 17, Pocatello police sent out a news release saying they had obtained warrants for Wilsons arrest in connection to the shooting on the morning of Nov. 16.
According to court records, charges have not been filed in Bannock County against Wilson in connection with the alleged shooting. Wilson has an extensive juvenile criminal record in Bannock county ranging from disorderly conduct to burglary.
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Wilson is expected to appear in the Twin Falls court on Nov. 30, before magistrate Judge Calvin H. Campbell. He is still being held in jail on a $50,000 bond.