UPDATE: Man Arrested for Starting Mill Park Neighborhood Fire

A man has been arrested for starting a fire near City Councilor Candace Avalos' residence in the Mill Park Neighborhood.

On the morning of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's East Precinct located and arrested the man seen leaving the scene of a fire near Councilor Avalos' residence on October 26. Investigators determined the man, identified as Vashon M. Locust, 51, of Portland, entered a shed near Councilor Avalos' residence to use an electrical outlet for a heater. When the outlet didn't work, Locust lit a small fire, which ultimately spread.

Following his interview with detectives, Locust was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and lodged on the following charges: Reckless Burning and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (two counts).

"We recognize that this incident has been deeply distressing for Councilor Avalos and her neighbors, and we want to express our sincere empathy for everything they have endured," PPB Chief Bob Day and PF&R Chief Lauren Johnson said in a joint statement. "From the outset, our shared priority was to ensure safety, determine the cause and origin of the fire, and provide transparency to the community. We are grateful to the Portland Fire Investigations Unit - composed of PF&R sworn investigators and a detective from the Portland Police Bureau - that worked diligently and collaboratively to uncover the facts. Their thorough, methodical investigation ultimately determined that this was not a targeted act of violence. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we worked to reach these findings."

###PPB###

***Original Messages Below***

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) are asking for the public's help identifying and locating a person who was in the area shortly before the fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025, near Councilor Candace Avalos' residence in the Mill Park Neighborhood.

Investigators wish to speak with this individual because they may have information that could assist in determining how the fire began. At this time, this person is not considered a suspect. Investigators simply hope to learn more about what they might have seen or heard in the area.

Please contact the PF&R Tip Line at 503-823-3473 or [email protected], and reference PPB case 25-293927, if you have any information about the individual in the following video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmz77dQsqhA

###PPB###

***Original Messages Below***

UPDATE: Investigation into Mill Park Neighborhood Fire Continues

The Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue continue to investigate a fire that occurred near the residence of City Councilor Candace Avalos.

At this time, investigators cannot definitively determine the exact cause of the fire. However, preliminary findings indicate that the fire did not originate in Councilor Avalos' vehicle or other property belonging to her. The fire began in a storage shed adjacent to the residence, and Councilor Avalos and other nearby residents were affected by the spread of the fire. Furthermore, no evidence of an accelerant or incendiary device was found, and at this time, there is no evidence to suggest the fire was specifically targeting Councilor Avalos. Investigators are actively working to identify the person responsible and to determine a more specific cause.

"We are deeply grateful to the first responders and investigators who have been working tirelessly around the clock on this investigation," PPB Chief Bob Day and PF&R Chief Lauren Johnson shared in a joint statement. "Thanks to their dedication and professionalism, Councilor Avalos and her neighbors were physically unharmed. Their safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to thoroughly investigate the cause of this fire."

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the PF&R Tip Line at 503-823-3473 or [email protected] and reference PPB case number 25-293927.

The Portland Fire Investigations Unit, composed of PF&R sworn investigators and a detective from the Portland Police Bureau, continues to work around the clock to gather evidence and ensure public safety.

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

On Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2:40a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) responded to a fire in the Mill Park Neighborhood. Upon arrival they found several vehicles and a carport on fire. The vehicles were parked and unoccupied. Firefighters extinguished the fire, and no one was injured.

PF&R requested a Fire Investigator and Portland

Police. East Precinct officers responded to the scene and assisted with the initial investigation. They determined that the vehicle of origin belongs to City Councilor Candace Avalos.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but it is considered suspicious in nature. No arrests have been made.

The Portland Fire Investigations Unit is investigating this case. If anyone has any information or tips related to this fire, please contact the PF&R Tip Line by phone at 503-823-3473 or by email at [email protected]. Please reference PPB case number 25-293927.

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.

###PPB###