Busy Night for Arson Investigators **CORRECTED SUSPECT NAME**

November 09, 2024 15:50

Follow @PDXFire

On November 7th, 2024 at 0006 hours, PF&R responded to the report of a residential fire in the 2200 block of SE Salmon Street. Firefighters responded and arrived to find a small fire on the front porch of the occupied home. It was learned that several occupants were asleep in the home at the time of the fire. One homeowner had awoken to discover the large fire on the porch and while another occupant was calling 911, he used a portable fire extinguisher to suppress the flames momentarily until the fire department arrived minutes later. PF&R Arson Investigators were called to scene to conduct an investigation in the cause of the fire. While investigators were examining the scene, they requested the additional help PF&R's Accelerant Detection Canine Kiki. Arson Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set using an incendiary device containing an accelerant. Arson Investigators partnered up with officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Special Victim's Unit, to continue their investigation throughout yesterday and into this afternoon/evening. Once enough evidence was obtained, PF&R Arson Investigators partnered collaboratively with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, and the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, to secure and serve an arrest warrant for the suspect. This evening at around 8:00p.m., Arson Investigators arrested 42 year old Eric D. Alexander on the outstanding arrest warrant for the following charges: 5 counts of Attempted Murder in Second Degree, 4 counts of Arson in the First Degree, 2 counts of Stalking, 2 counts of Telephonic Harassment, 2 counts of Menacing, and 1 count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.

Shortly after the arrest of Eric Johnson occurred, on-duty PF&R Arson Investigators were notified of a 3 fire serial arson spree in the Hazelwood/Mill Park neighborhoods of NE Portland. Arson Investigators quickly obtained surveillance of a possible suspect and coordinated with Portland Police East Precinct officers to conduct an area canvass for the suspect. Within minutes, patrol officers located the suspect blocks from one of the fires. After detaining the suspect, the patrol officers recognized the suspect as being wanted in connection with a serial arson spree that occurred on October 14th, 2024 along NE and SE 122nd Avenue. Arson Investigators were able to conduct additional follow up this evening which resulted in the arrest of 37 year old Crystle Knoke. Knoke was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and also charged with 3 counts of Arson in the First Degree, 1 count of Arson in the Second Degree, and 2 counts of Criminal Mischief I in connection with the recent serial arson sprees.

The Portland Fire Investigations Unit comprises fire investigators with Portland Fire & Rescue, who are sworn law enforcement officers, and a detective with the Portland Police Bureau. The collaboration leverages the specialized training and skills needed to investigate fires, including analysis equipment and accelerant detecting dogs. PF&R and PPB remain committed to working together in order to ensure community safety.

*************