Woman arrested for arson after allegedly bombing couple’s tent

Olympia Police Department (OPD). Received a report of an explosion that resulted in a fire of a tent in a wooded area near Union Avenue and Plum Street on February 22.

Upon arrival, responding officers made contact with Nickolas Sallas and Katherine Hall, who identified themselves as the victims of the explosion and the owners of the bombed tent.

They alleged that two individuals, Sierra Hemminger and another woman, were responsible for the incident.

The victims stated that they witnessed the two women approach their tent and throw something inside.

“Nickolas stated he observed Sierra and the other person walk over to their tent, and then the explosion happened, and Sierra [and the other person] ran away,” OPD reported in the police report. “Katherine confirmed Nickolas' statement and added that she was able to observe Sierra holding something in her hand, which she lit and threw into the tent with the other person next to her.”

The conflict between the victims and the suspects reportedly dates to December 2023, when the two suspects set up a tent near the victims’ tent.

One of the victims recounted that earlier that day, one of the suspects allegedly threatened him and asked him if he wanted to "catch a hot one."

Moments later, the explosion occurred, leading to suspicions of foul play.

The victims' dog was inside during the incident but escaped with minor injuries.

Olympia Fire Department “stated the device used was an incendiary device.”

The police located Sierra Hemminger in her home at Quince Street Village, positively identified her and detained her.

After gaining a warrant to investigate the scene of the explosion and fire, the report stated that the WSP Bomb Squad and ATF found no incendiary devices or material to make them at the in or around the tent.

Authorities requested and were approved a search warrant for Sierra's residence and the other person's tent, both of which yielded no evidence of incendiary devices.

Despite the lack of physical evidence, authorities charged Hemminger with first-degree arson based on the testimonies and circumstances surrounding the incident and was transported to Thurston County Jail for booking.