Man indicted for arson is at large

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

THE DALLES – Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis indicted Christopher Mennealy, 51, for second-degree arson and reckless burning that allegedly started the Larch Creek Fire that began on July 9. It burned an estimated 18,286 acres within 10 days and the cost of suppressing the blaze total over $14 million.

Ellis issued a statement saying Mennealy was indicted by a Wasco County grand jury and was to have appeared before the court on Sept. 16. He did not show up and an arrest warrant has been issued. Ellis said that Mennealy is currently at large.

Mennealy was allegedly squatting on private property when the fire began near Friend, Oregon. Ellis pointed out that a charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Mennealy is innocent unless or until he is proven guilty. The district attorney stated that no further information will be released at this time.

File photo from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office