Portland Police have arrested a suspect who they say started a fire in the Mill Park neighborhood that displaced City Councilor Candace Avalos from her home.

According to police, Vashon M. Locust, 51, was trying to use an electrical outlet in a shed near Avalos’ house to plug in a heater around 2:40 am Sunday, October 26. The outlet didn't work, so he reportedly lit a small fire, which spread. The fire destroyed Avalos’ vehicle, carport, and part of her home. Initially, police said the blaze was suspicious, but later reported no sign of any accelerant or incendiary device. The Portland Fire Investigations Unit, which consists of Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) sworn investigators, and a detective from the Portland Police Bureau, concluded the fire likely wasn’t meant to target Avalos.

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