Man sentenced for setting fire in ER lobby

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – A man arrested in March for starting a fire in the emergency room lobby at Providence St. Mary Medical Center has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for second-degree arson in Walla Walla County Superior Court. Hunter Gregory Nettles, 30, was also sentenced Monday to 364 days with credit for 123 days served for interference with a healthcare facility.

According to the Walla Walla Police Department, Nettles confessed to lighting a tissue box on fire on March 28 which caused about $13,000 in damage. Officers reviewed security camera footage and quickly identified Nettles, who was located a few blocks away.

Nettles will serve 18 months of community custody after his release and has been ordered to have no contact with the hospital.