Police: Suspect in Portland ballot box fires could strike again
Police: Suspect in Portland ballot box fires could strike again
    Posted on 10/30/2024
PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - On Wednesday, Portland law enforcement leaders hosted a news conference around the topic of election security.

A suspect caused hundreds of ballots to burn Monday in Vancouver and set up a “device” at another ballot box in Portland the same morning.

Investigators warned the suspect may strike again between now and Election Day.

“Investigators believe it is very possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks across the area,” Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner told reporters.

Another ballot box fire earlier this month in Clark County has also been linked to the same suspect, but caused no damage to ballots, according to police.

On Wednesday, police released a description of the suspect as a 30- to 40-year-old man, who is bald or has very short hair and a thin to medium build, with a thin face.

He is likely an expert in metal work and/or welding. He was seen driving a dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S60.

Clark County and Multnomah County officials said they are stepping up security at ballot boxes between now and Election Day. The FBI is also investigating.

PPB has requested the public’s help to find the suspect and the car involved.

The suspect is described by PPB as a white man between 30 and 40 years old with balding or very short hair and a thin to medium build. He was reportedly wearing a dark shirt and is highly knowledgeable in metal fabrication and welding.

The suspected car is most likely a 2001 to 2004 Volvo S60 with a more matte color than a typical shiny finish in places, with a tan or light grey interior, an after-market grill with the Volvo emblem missing, dark wheels, unpainted body trim, and no front license plate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov or call the PF&R Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line, 503-823- FIRE (3473), and reference case number 24-276181. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters remain anonymous.
Comments( 0 )