Calvin Tucker Guilty Of Arson, Animal Abuse In 2025 West Salem Apartment Complex Fire. (Photo)
- 11/10/26
DALLAS (OR) – Calvin Jerome Tucker III, 55, has been found guilty by a Polk County jury of 3 counts of Arson in the First Degree, 3 counts of Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree, and 8 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person for his actions in starting a fire in October, 2025 that caused extensive damage to multiple units and the death of three household companion animals.
At approximately 10:15 p.m., on October 3, 2025, Salem Fire Department units responded to a two story four-plex apartment complex on Stoneway Drive, NW, its roof and stairwell were engulfed in flames. Three of the four apartments were occupied by families when the fire was started. One family was trapped on the second story and required assistance from bystanders to get their children to safety. The fourth apartment was occupied by five cats, two of which firefighters were able to save, while the remaining perished.
A joint investigation overseen by the Salem Police and Fire Departments determined that the fire was started intentionally by Tucker with gasoline in retaliation after one of the occupants of the apartment complex ended their multi-year relationship. The jury specifically found in its verdict that Tucker had shown no remorse for his actions.
The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before reaching its verdict after a three-day trial which was overseen by Polk County Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy R. Park. Tucker is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10 at 4:00 p.m.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Garrett Lewellen. The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and Salem Fire Department.
Calvin Tucker Guilty Of Arson, Animal Abuse In 2025 West Salem Apartment Complex Fire. (Photo)
- 11/10/26
DALLAS (OR) – Calvin Jerome Tucker III, 55, has been found guilty by a Polk County jury of 3 counts of Arson in the First Degree, 3 counts of Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree, and 8 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person for his actions in starting a fire in October, 2025 that caused extensive damage to multiple units and the death of three household companion animals.
At approximately 10:15 p.m., on October 3, 2025, Salem Fire Department units responded to a two story four-plex apartment complex on Stoneway Drive, NW, its roof and stairwell were engulfed in flames. Three of the four apartments were occupied by families when the fire was started. One family was trapped on the second story and required assistance from bystanders to get their children to safety. The fourth apartment was occupied by five cats, two of which firefighters were able to save, while the remaining perished.
A joint investigation overseen by the Salem Police and Fire Departments determined that the fire was started intentionally by Tucker with gasoline in retaliation after one of the occupants of the apartment complex ended their multi-year relationship. The jury specifically found in its verdict that Tucker had shown no remorse for his actions.
The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before reaching its verdict after a three-day trial which was overseen by Polk County Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy R. Park. Tucker is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10 at 4:00 p.m.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Garrett Lewellen. The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and Salem Fire Department.