Reward for tips in Vancouver ballot box arson investigation now totals $30K

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Washington-based organization striving to minimize arson is offering a reward to those who provide tips in connection to the Vancouver drop box fire investigation.

In partnership with NW Insurance Council, the Arson Alarm Foundation revealed it will dole out $5,000 to the individual who shares information that could lead to the conviction of the suspected arsonist.

This brings the total reward to $30,000, more than a month after the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Seattle and Portland Field Offices offered a $25,000 prize for assistance with the case.

“Arson impacts everyone, causing devastating damage to lives and property while increasing insurance costs for the entire community,” NW Insurance Council President Kenton Brine said in a statement. “We strongly urge anyone with information about this and other fires in the area to come forward and contact the FBI or the Arson Alarm hotline.”

The investigation stems from an incident on Oct. 28, when Portland Police Bureau responded to a ballot box fire near the Multnomah County Elections Division office around 3:30 a.m. About 30 minutes later, the Vancouver Police Department responded to an arson report at a ballot box on 3510 SE 164th Ave.

Earlier that month, VPD also removed a “suspicious device” found near another ballot box.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to announce the three incidents were targeted, intentional and possibly connected to each other.

Portland police described the suspect as a Caucasian male between 30 and 40 years old. The agency said he either had very short hair or was balding, with a thin-to-medium build and a thin face. Authorities noted he was wearing a dark shirt and is likely “highly knowledgeable in both metal fabrication and welding.”

According to PPB, the suspect drove a 2001-2004 Volvo S60 that is “more matte in color than a standard shiny finish in places.” The vehicle had a tan or light gray interior, an after-market grill without the Volvo emblem, dark wheels, unpainted body trim and no front license plate.