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A security camera caught an image of the suspect, with five road flares in his pockets!

Another attempted arson on THPRD property

Following the arson fires at the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District properties near Saltzman and Laidlaw last month, another attempted arson was reported on May 20, this time on a house at the south end of 114th, near the wetland area. The house was purchased by THPRD at least ten years ago, and until fairly recently was occupied by a renter.

A neighbor told KPTV News that he had been walking in the area, and smelled smoke coming from the house. As he approached, he saw that the house was on fire, and then saw a man exiting the house, wearing a mask and holding a road flare. A security camera in the area captured a photo of the suspect, with five road flares in the pockets of his jeans. The only available description of the suspect is that he is a white male. Another neighbor called 911, and firefighters from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue were able to extinguish the fire with little damage to the structure.

The house from 114th

Washington County Sheriff deputies spoke to neighbors and brought in three K-9 units (search dogs) but were unable to track the suspect. Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Bob Ray said, “The Sheriff's Office arson investigator is continuing to work with the TVF&R investigators to labor through a vast amount of information, videos and evidence.  There are no major developments yet as the investigation will take more time.” Sheriff’s Deputies have increased patrols in both areas and THPRD’s Security Officers are making frequent site visits.

The house is located next to a large natural area that includes the Cedar Mill Wetland, managed by the Nature Conservancy. The property backs up to Foege Park, with unimproved trails leading to the wetland. The district purchased an adjacent property in 2010 in anticipation of enlarging the park and completing a loop trail around the area when funds become available.

The park sign in the back yard was sprayed over

Signs at the entrance and in the back yard identify it as THPRD property, although the sign in the back has been sprayed over, in the same tan paint that was used to write graffiti on the walls of the house. It’s not clear if the graffiti and the arson had any connection.

THPRD spokesman Bob Wayt says the house will continue to be used as a rental until funds are available for the park and trail expansions.

Burned areas on the south side of the house

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