Eight charges include assault, arson

PULLMAN – Darlo Tolan, 33, was booked into Whitman County Jail May 30 after Pullman Police responded twice to a residence on Lamont Street.

According to the police report, Pullman officers responded to a citizen dispute. Upon arrival, Officer Kayla Nuxoll observed a trash can on the roof of a car with trash scattered on the vehicle and on the ground in front of the vehicle.

According to the police report, witnesses showed officers where Tolan had allegedly left scratch marks on Clarissa Scoles-Shewman and choked her boyfriend Alexander Burnett.

Burnett had scratches that appeared to be from fingernails on his neck. Tolan allegedly also bit Burnett's fingers, causing them to bleed, and bit his face.

Tolan left the home on foot after the alleged assaults.

Officers returned after 4:20 a.m. to a report that Tolan had returned and was in the garage. When Tolan returned he forcefully entered the garage. Misty Burnett, Alexander's mother, told him police were looking for him, and Tolan allegedly grabbed a power tool and threatened her with it. According to the report, residents saw him attempt to light a mattress and sliding glass door at the back of the house on fire.

When Tolan was confronted by officers he began to run away, even after being told to stop. Officers were able to catch and handcuff Tolan. He then dragged two Pullman Police officers toward a patrol car.

Tolan was booked May 30 on a total of eight charges: two charges of assault, threatening to kill, two counts of arson, malicious mischief, obstructing law enforcement and resisting arrest.