SUBJECT: Capone Arson Arrest  

Date: September 5, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Lt. Mclean

On July 25, 2007 Post Falls Police officers responded to an early morning report of a fire occurring at Capone’s Pub & Grill; located at 315 N. Ross Point Rd. Post Falls .

Witnesses reported hearing explosions and breaking glass at approximately 3:11 AM at the business. When Officers arrived to the fire scene, they found the buildings interior was engulfed in flames. Kootenai County Fire & Rescue arrived and extinguished the blaze. Extensive interior damage was caused to the building. Currently the damage to the business is estimate at $700,000.00

Because evidence of both a break-in and arson were found, Detectives from the Post Falls Police Department and arson investigators from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue were called to the fire scene to assist with the fire & burglary investigations.

Evidence discovered at the scene indicated the business was entered through a window and accelerants appear to have been used to set the fire inside the building.  Furthermore, Investigators believe that the suspect may have been injured while fleeing the burning building. A pair of burned NIKE running shoes, likely worn by the suspect, were abandoned near the point of entry into the business. Investigators also found evidence that the shoes had accelerants spilled on them, which may have caused the suspect to remove his burning shoes and flee without them. 

The Post Falls Police Department has made an arrest in the Capone’s arson fire. Today over thirty days of intensive investigation, culminated into the arrest of an individual deemed responsible for setting the Capone’s Sports Pub bar on July 25, 2007.

The investigation was the result of cooperative efforts by the Post Falls Police Department, and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. The arrest was the result of countless hours of work by Detectives and Fire Personnel, working at the crime scene, conducting interviews, planning, processing evidence, and ultimately putting this case together. The Post Falls Police Department had two Detectives assigned to this case.

The suspect Richard Eugene Hanlon, 50 YOA, of Coeur d’ Alene , was arrest today, without incident, at his place of business. Mr. Hanlon is the owner of Paddy’s Sports Bar in Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene . 

The Police Department was able to use evidence located at the scene, and during the investigation, to determine Mr. Hanlon’s involvement in the case.  A $750,000.00 warrant was obtained for Mr. Hanlon for the crimes of Arson and Burglary of Capone’s Sports Bar.  There are no outstanding suspects at this time.

If convicted, First Degree Arson carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in the State Penitentiary and a $100,000.00 fine. Burglary is also a felony and carries maximum penalty of 10 years in the State Penitentiary with a $50,000.00 fine. 

During this investigation the Department received several anonymous tips, providing information and direction to the investigators. We would like to thank citizens who contacted the Police Department and provided leads to this case. These tips and the diligent work by the investigative team, assisted in providing the information needed to resolve this case. This arrest will hopefully bring closure to the Capone family.

AUTHOR: Lt. Haug