Four men were arrested in connection with a vehicle fire in the area last week.

Andrew Hilmer, 29, Cass Lake, Minn.; Andrew Cortez, 21, Rapid City, S.D.; John Decoteau, 28, Bismarck; and Emil Decoteau, 23, Belcourt, were arrested following a traffic stop last Thursday morning of a red Dodge pickup fitting the description of a vehicle leaving the scene of the fire.

Hilmer was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, a class C felony; and hindering law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor. Cortez was charged with theft of a motor vehicle. John Decoteau was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, a class A felony; felon in possession of a firearm, a class C felony; and possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor. Emil Decoteau was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Last Thursday morning the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and Rugby police and fire departments responded to a report of a vehicle fire on the north side of the railroad tracks in the 6500 block of 33rd Ave NE, about three miles east of Rugby. The vehicle was identified by its VIN number as a white 1998 Chevy Cavalier.

The incident was investigated by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Rugby Police Department, N.D. Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the N.D. Fire Marshall.

Class A felonies are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. Class C felonies are punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment and up to $2,000 in fines. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 30 days’ imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.

– Tribune Staff Report