CITY OF MISSOULA

POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Information Office

NEWS RELEASE
l_________________________________________________________________________________________

For immediate release:

Date: May 25, 2023
Contact: Detective Lt. Eddie McLean
Phone: (406) 552-6332
Email: mcleane@ci.missoula.mt.us

Sean Staples Arrest:

On May 25, 2023 at approximately 2:15 AM, officers were dispatched to S. 3 rd Street West and Russell
Street for a report of a male who had lit a tree on fire and was last seen walking west on 3rd St.
Officers made contact with Sean Staples, who threatened he was going to cover the officer in gasoline
and then light him on fire. Mr. Staples began actively throwing gasoline in the direction of the two
officers and had a lighter in his hand. He was ultimately arrested with no injury to the officers. Officers
located and an additional five fires along the road, which were extinguished. No injuries were reported
as a result of the fires.
During a subsequent interview, Mr. Staples admitted to buying socks with the purpose to put the socks
in vents or other exposed pipes. He claimed to accomplish this in at least two houses. This represents
a significant health and safety concern. The Missoula Police Department is requesting residents in the
Lewis and Clark neighborhood to the area of S. 3rd and Russell Streets inspect any external vents or
exhaust ports. If any obstruction is located, please call the 9-1-1 so evidence can be collected.
Sean Staples was arrested for six counts of Arson and to counts of Assault on a Peace Officer and is
currently in custody of the Missoula County Detention Facility.