PORTLAND, Ore. — A man has been arrested for allegedly starting a fire near Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos' home in the Mill Park neighborhood, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) reported Tuesday morning.

On the morning of Nov. 4, officers arrested 51-year-old Vashon M. Locust, of Portland. Investigators said Locust was seen leaving the scene of a fire near Avalos' home on Oct. 26. The city councilor said previously that she woke up that morning to her car, carport and home engulfed in flames.

"I'm grateful for the quick response from Portland firefighters who prevented the fire from spreading even further," she said in a statement at the time.

Investigators determined the fire was "not a targeted act of violence," according to a joint statement from Portland Police Chief Bob D

See Full Page