UPDATE: Tips Sought in Ballot Box Fires, $2,500 Reward Available (Photo)

October 30, 2024 15:53

  Follow @PortlandPolice

The Portland Police Bureau is asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect and suspect vehicle involved in intentionally setting fires at ballot boxes in Southeast Portland and Vancouver.

PPB is providing a description of the suspect and an updated description of the suspect vehicle.

Suspect: Caucasian male, 30-40 years of age, very short hair or balding, thin to medium build, thin face, wearing a dark shirt, highly knowledgeable in both metal fabrication and welding.

Suspect vehicle: most likely a 2001-2004 Volvo S60, more matte in color than a standard shiny finish in places, tan or light gray interior, after-market grill with Volvo emblem missing, dark wheels, unpainted body trim, no front license plate.

Investigators believe it is possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks.

Anyone with information about the suspect or suspect vehicle is asked to contact Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov or call the PF&R Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line, 503-823- FIRE (3473). Please reference case number 24-276181.

In addition, information can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Anyone wishing to submit a secure and anonymous tip regarding any unsolved felony crime should visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or visit the App Store and download P3 Tips for your mobile device.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters remain anonymous.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon is funded 100% by community donations. To support Crime Stoppers with a donation, or to view other unsolved cases, please visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/ .

###PPB###

***Original Messages Below***

The Portland Police Bureau is releasing two photos of the suspect vehicle believed to be involved in the incident at a ballot box in Southeast Portland early Monday morning. The vehicle is described as a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60. The vehicle does not have a front license plate, but it does have an unknown rear plate. Investigators believe the vehicle is tied to two similar incidents in the Vancouver, Washington area.

Detectives determined the incendiary device that ignited the fire at the Southeast Portland ballot box was attached to the side of the box and not placed in it as originally reported.

“We don’t know the motive behind these acts,” PPB Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan said. “We do know acts like this are targeted and they're intentional and we’re concerned about that intentional act trying to impact the election process. We’re dedicated to stopping this kind of behavior.”

Anyone with information about the suspect vehicle or the case is asked to contact Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov or call the PF&R Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line, 503-823- FIRE (3473). Please reference case number 24-276181.

Photo description: Suspect vehicle
Photo description: Suspect vehicle

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

An investigation is underway following the discovery of an incendiary device inside a ballot box.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to reports of a fire at a ballot box in the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street. By the time officers arrived, the fire had already been extinguished by security personnel who work in the area. Officers determined an incendiary device was placed inside the ballot box and used to ignite the fire. PPB’s Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) responded to the scene and cleared the device.

The Portland Fire Investigations Unit also responded to the scene to investigate. This unit is comprised of 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.

If anyone has information about this arson case, please contact Portland Police Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov or call the PF&R Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line, 503-823- FIRE (3473). Please reference case number 24-276181.

Photo description: Ballot box

###PPB###

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