Pocatello man charged after allegedly attempting to start a fire inside a home
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POCATELLO — A man police say was attempting to start a fire inside a home has been charged with a felony.
Christofer Taylor Knowlton, 28, faces one count of first-degree arson, court records show.
Pocatello police officers responded to reports of a home on Topence Drive filling with smoke on June 21, according to an affidavit of probable cause. A caller told dispatchers there were no visible flames.
Upon arrival at the home, officers spoke with a resident who told them Knowlton was still inside the home. She said Knowlton told her the smoke “isn’t anything to worry about,” the affidavit says. Officers confirmed that all other residents had been evacuated.
Officers entered the home and went into the basement, where the witness said Knowlton would be.
The stairway to the basement, the affidavit says, was “hazy with smoke and had a strong smell that did not resemble cigarette or tobacco smoke.”
Officers knocked on one of the bedroom doors in the basement and Knowlton opened the door. The room was filled with a “thicker, darker smoke” than what was outside. After opening the door, Knowlton turned around to walk back into the room, but officers grabbed him by the arm and “escorted him” out of the home.
Inside the room, officers saw burnt paper surrounded by “flammable items” like clothes and furniture. The paper was smoking but did not appear to be “actively burning” the affidavit says.
Knowlton was taken to Bannock County Jail, where he was booked and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Though Knowlton has been charged with these crimes, it does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.
If he is found guilty, Knowlton would face up to 25 years in prison.
He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing before Magistrate Judge Aaron Thompson Monday afternoon.