James Strand Faces Arson Charges After Billings Home Destroyed
A 56-year-old man barricaded himself in a home on Ninth Avenue North, leading to a fire that left the family without a residence and one cat dead.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
Billings police have charged 56-year-old James Strand with felony arson and aggravated burglary following a standoff that destroyed a home on Ninth Avenue North. The incident began around 3:11 p.m. Wednesday when dispatchers received reports of Strand driving recklessly near North Park. He abandoned his vehicle and entered a nearby house, initiating a confrontation that lasted several hours.
Homeowner Jennette Rasch stated that Strand entered through an open back door while two of her children and their friend were inside. Rasch said the children reported that Strand did not harm or threaten them. He retrieved knives from the sink and told the children to leave before police arrived. Rasch described the situation as confusing, noting that Strand appeared polite while invading their personal space.
Strand barricaded himself in an upstairs bedroom. Police deployed gas canisters after the children left the property. Officers from the Billings Police Department SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, and Drone Team responded to the scene. Strand refused commands to leave, and the house caught fire during the standoff. Officers arrested him hours later, and witnesses saw him brandishing knives on the roof before the flames took hold.
The fire rendered the home completely unlivable. Rasch said her family has not entered the house since the incident. Investigators continue to assess the damage, and Rasch does not know if the structure can be repaired or must be torn down. The family is staying at a hotel provided by the American Red Cross while they await insurance proceedings.
The fire also claimed the life of one family cat, which was trapped inside. Rasch said the animal had to be euthanized the following night after being covered in chemicals from the blaze. A second cat remains missing. Rasch hopes the animal is hiding in the neighborhood rather than inside the burning home.
Strand faces four charges: aggravated burglary, felony arson, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest. Community members have organized support for the family. Friend Katherine Ries started a GoFundMe on Thursday, which has raised nearly $10,000 against a goal of $35,000. Residents have also donated clothing and household goods like electric skillets and crock pots.
Rasch said the community response has been overwhelming. She noted that many people showed up to help her family, which includes her husband, three children, and their friend. The family remains in temporary housing as they determine their next steps.
