A man with a lengthy criminal history was arrested Tuesday morning on suspicion of sparking the fire that scorched Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos’ townhome and car, police say.

Portland police officers booked Vashon M. Locust into the downtown jail on charges of second-degree mischief and reckless burning, both misdemeanors.

Officers say Locust, 51, sneaked into a shed near Avalos’ home and tried to use an electric outlet. He allegedly set a small fire in retaliation because it didn’t work, then fled the scene, police said.

By the time Portland Fire & Rescue crews rushed to the Mill Park neighborhood about 2:40 a.m. Oct. 26, the flames had engulfed a truck and hatchback sedan, as well the wooden carport and the townhome’s exterior walls.

The councilor and her cat escaped th

See Full Page