Portland Man Arrested And Charged After Setting Fire To Houseless Persons Possessions (Photo) -08/29/19

On Monday August 26th Portland Fire & Rescue’s Fire Investigation Unit arrested 44year old Roy Elworthy in connection with a tent fire on August 15.

On August 15, a houseless person’s tent and belongings were intentionally set on fire in a lot near SE 136th and Powell, destroying the tent and the person’s belongings. It was reported that earlier that day a man living nearby told a group of houseless people in the lot that if they did not move, he would set their things on fire.

Mr Elworthy is being charged with “Reckless Burning” a class A misdemeanor that carries a potential sentence of 364 days in jail. He is currently being held in the Multnomah County jail.

*Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police Bureau would like to remind the public that setting fire to another person’s property is a crime that will be prosecuted. This is a very dangerous type of fire that can get out of control very quickly, endangering the lives of everyone in the area. An outdoor burn ban has also been issued and is in effect throughout Multnomah County as of August 27.

The City of Portland has a “One Point of Contact” system where people can report issues with campsites. Reports can be filed atwww.portlandoregon.gov/campsites or call 503-823-4000