Suspects in Portland ballot box arson could happen again in Vancouver, police warn

PORTLAND, OR (KOIN) – Portland police revealed new details related to the suspect is probably involved in setting fire to three urns in Vancouver and Portland last month, officials announced at a news conference Wednesday.

PPB spokesman Mike Banner described the man they believe may be responsible destruction of hundreds of ballots targeting the ballot box in Vancouver on Monday morning.

‘Acts of Terror’: Officials Respond to Ballot Box Arson in Washington, Oregon

Authorities said the suspect is a man in his 30s to 40s who is either bald or has very short hair, a medium to thin build, a dark shirt and a thin face.

“We believe this suspect has extensive experience in metal fabrication and welding,” Benner said. Officials later added that because the suspect remains at large, it’s possible he could strike again.

On Monday, Banner also clarified additional details related to the previously announced suspect vehicle connected to the crimes. The car, a black or dark 2001-2004 Volvo S-60, may have “a more matte finish than the standard gloss finish” and a brown or light gray interior with an original grille with a missing Volvo badge.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact police.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a reward of up to $2,500 cash for any information leading to an arrest, and tipsters can remain anonymous. To submit information to Crime Stoppers, visit them website.

KOIN 6 News spoke with Laserfab USA, a Washington-based company that makes the reinforced steel ballot boxes used by Multnomah County. He explained that countries buy fire extinguishers from other suppliers, which are usually placed in a box.

The device is magnetized on the top or side of the box, explained Laserfab USA Vice President Larry Olson.

“And when it senses fire, it opens up and pours the fire retardant down,” Olson said, holding up a Firestop brand extinguisher.

The devices are intended for extinguishing kitchen grease fires. An important reason why they are used in ballot boxes is that the flame retardant is a dry chemical, not water.

Stay tuned to KOIN 6 as we continue to follow this story.

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