COLFAX, WA – The 40-year-old Pullman man accused of starting the blaze that burned a large apartment building has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Elijah Reagan entered the pleas during his arraignment in Whitman County Superior Court on Friday. He is charged with felonies for 1st degree arson, malicious damage to property with an explosive device and attempted eluding. If convicted on the arson count Reagan could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Pullman Police believe that Reagan shot off a firework from a mortar tube inside his apartment on Military Hill on the afternoon of October 5th. The firework sparked a blaze that heavily damaged the 18 unit building. 30 people were evacuated including an elderly person with a walker that needed help from several others to escape the flames.

Reagan allegedly led local law enforcement on a car chase which ended in Southern Whitman County near Uniontown. He then engaged in an armed standoff with officers and the Whitman County SWAT Team. Reagan was arrested after he accidentally fired a shotgun inside his vehicle. No one was hurt during the incident. Officers say Reagan was high on methamphetamine when he was arrested.

Reagan will now undergo a mental evaluation and is scheduled to be back in court next month. He remains in jail on a quarter million dollars bond.
The blaze displaced dozens of residents. The property management company for the apartment complex and the Red Cross helped the victims find new housing. The building has been condemned.