A Casper man was arrested during the early morning hours of July 22nd, after police say that he splashed gasoline on the doorway of an occupied apartment, then attempted to light the gasoline on fire.
According to jail records, 26-year-old Harley Jay Bushnell was arrested under a recommended charge of First Degree Arson.
Police say that they responded to a call reporting an arson, near the 600 block of Walsh Drive, in Casper, just after 11:00 pm, on Saturday, July 21st.
An affidavit in the case says that Officers spoke to the alleged victim, as well as “multiple other witnesses.”
The witnesses on scene said that a man, later identified as Bushnell, was alleged to have splashed gasoline on the apartment door and doorway of a private apartment. An alleged victim inside the apartment told officers that when she saw Bushnell approaching her door with the gas can went to investigate, she found the gasoline outside, then heard a “flick” like a cigarette lighter, and saw a spark.
The gasoline around the area failed to ignite.
The suspect is said to have known the person who lived in the apartment.
The suspect reportedly fled the area by the time that police arrived.
During the investigation, an arrest affidavit in the case says that the person living in the apartment received a call, where the caller ID came up with the name “Harley.” Police advise that a police Sergeant answered the phone, and the caller hung up. The same caller is then reported to have called again and spoke with officers. Police confirming the caller was Bushnell, and advising that he needed to contact officers.
Police also say that the alleged victim had a text message from the number identified as belonging to “Harley,” that stated “Fine your house is getting burned down right now.”
Bushnell is said to have met officers at the Casper Police Department. During an interview, police say that Bushnell adamantly denied ever leaving his residence during the evening. However, officers say that he later admitted to driving his truck to the apartment and carrying a container of gas to the steps leading to the apartment, and dropping it there.
Bushnell denied pouring gas on the door and also denied trying to light it. After being confronted with witness statements saying that he tried to strike a lighter, Bushnell is quoted in the affidavit as saying “my lighter always works.”
Bushnell was taken into custody and transported to the Natrona County Detention Center without further reported incident.
All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office.
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