Idaho Burglars Nabbed Despite Diversionary Fires

May 31, 2011

Two southwest Idaho men who police say started two fires as a diversionary tactic before breaking into a pawn shop to steal guns have been charged with arson and burglary.

Forty-eight-year-old David Von Bargen of Fruitland and 21-year-old Donavan Bolen of Payette were taken into custody Friday as police arrived to investigate a burglary alarm at a pawn shop in Payette.

Police say a juvenile girl with the men was also taken into custody.

Police received a report of a vehicle fire at a mall in Payette at 12:05 a.m. A report of a warehouse fire across town came in about four minutes later.

About 15 minutes after that police responding to the burglary alarm say they found the three individuals leaving in a pickup loaded with guns and firebombs.