Left Behind Notebook Leads Portland Fire Investigators to Arrest 5 Juveniles in Arson Case

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During the week of April 25th, 2011, Portland Fire and Rescue Investigators arrested five juvenile males on multiple counts each of Arson 2, Burglary 2, and Criminal Mischief 2.

The arrests were made in connection with a series of fires on three separate occasions in two vacant homes in North Portland. The first fire occurred at 5325 North Fessenden St. on February 23rd. The second fire occurred at 9518 North Exeter on April 1st, which is located behind the first home. The third fire, which was the largest and caused the most damage, occurred on April 9th at the same house as the earlier fire on North Exeter.

Investigators estimate that damage from the two fires was approximately $23,000 to the two homes. Leading to these arrests was the fact that a school notebook with the suspect's name written on the inside pages was left behind at the scene of one of the fires. This enabled investigators to positively identify a person of interest in the case. Upon completion of their investigation, it was determined that a 14-year-old juvenile who lived in the area, along with four additional juveniles (ages 13-14), were responsible for the vandalism and setting the fires.

All five juveniles confessed to starting the fires and vandalizing the homes. Two of them have been charged with multiple counts of Arson 2 and Burglary 2. The other three were all charged with Burglary 2 and Criminal Mischief 2. The case has been referred to Multnomah County Juvenile Court.



Author:Portland Fire & Rescue Press Release