HELP NEEDED TO FIND ARSONIST THAT SET FIRE TO JUNCTION CITY HOME

Junction City Police

On February 26, 2022, at approximately 1432 hours, the Junction City Fire Department responded to 330 E. 5^th Ave., Junction City, Oregon on a report of an incident of reckless burning of a fence on the east side of the property.  Prior to Fire Department arrival a passerby quashed the burn with a fire extinguisher.  The Fire Department requested Junction City Police investigate the incident.

Later that day at approximately 1842 hours, Junction City Police were re-dispatched to the same location for a residential house fire.  Arriving six minutes later, officers learned the Fire Department had extinguished a fire that had consumed a portion of the east wall of the residence.  The duplex was unoccupied at the time, except for a dog that is doing fine and was taken into police protective custody.  No injuries were sustained by any citizens, firefighters, or officers and all damage was contained exclusively to the east side of the duplex.

The Fire Department classified the fire as suspicious and requested an Oregon State Fire Marshal respond to determine the exact cause of the fire.  Police personnel secured the house and surrounding property as a crime scene.  A State Fire Marshal arrived at approximately 0733 hours on February 27, 2022 and determined the cause of the fire was arson.

The Junction City Police Department is the primary investigating agency.  With the assistance of an arson detective from Oregon State Police and personnel from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office, evidence has been collected and sent to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab for forensic examination.  The Junction City Police Department has identified and is actively pursuing several very promising leads.  Anyone that was in the area at the time either fire occurred and/or that has any information that may be relevant to this case is requested to contact the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.