An Idaho woman has been charged with one count of felony arson after she allegedly started a fire near a propane tank at the Chicken Coop and Mission Bible Fellowship Church.
McKayla Dembowski, a resident of Idaho, was picked up for arrest on Oct. 3 after an argument at the Chicken Coop led Dembowski to light a flannel jacket on fire and heave it towards the propane tank near the restaurant.
Alcohol is suspected to play a role in the incident, Missoula Justice Court Judge Alex Beal said. He also said Dombowski works for one of the food transport companies that brings supplies to Seeley Lake.
No propane tank exploded in the incident, according to an Oct. 5 hearing in Missoula County Justice Court. The Pathfinder was unable to obtain charging papers because of a staffing shortage at the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and the federal holiday on Monday, Oct. 9.
More information will be shared as it is obtained.
Missoula County Prosecutors argued that by lighting the fires, Dembowski threatened to damage the Chicken Coop, which is worth more than $1,500. Prosecutors said Dembowski did a similar action at the Mission Bible Fellowship.
Dembowski, seen through a Zoom screen from Missoula County Detention Center, said she suffered from PTSD and depression. Dembowski is a veteran and previously served in active combat. Her lawyer said there are certain “triggers” that she needs to work on.
“Both of those acts your honor do indicate issues with regard to significant risk to the community,” Missoula County Attorney Carrie Garber said. “Not only people who are also at the cafe/restaurant or potential parishioners but also the firefighters who have to respond to address those. It could have easily resulted in the death of someone.”
The prosecutor’s office recommended a $10,000 bond, as Dembowski was not a member of the community and could threaten the Seeley Lake area. However, Judge Beal noted Dembowski has no previous criminal history.
Dembowski was released without bond with the conditions that she stay away from Seeley Lake, that she stay away from alcohol, and that she contact Veterans Affairs or a private mental health professional.
Judge Beal then referred the case to district court, which will see Dombowski on Oct. 16.
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