PF&R-PPB Fire Investigation Unit Place Two Into Custody (Photo) **With Updated Location Of 80th Ave Fires** - 07/10/24
PF&R-PPB Fire Investigation Unit place two into custody
Arson Investigators were busy this morning with two simultaneous arrests. The first arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 30th, 2024. The suspect ignited several small fires in the vicinity of their own apartment, in an area of SE 80th Ave between E Burnside and SE Stark St. The suspect, after lighting several small non-hostile fires, set two fires on the exterior of an occupied apartment building, where the occupant was asleep inside. Investigators identified the suspect as KAYLA SCHUMACHER shortly after the incident, but were unable to locate the suspect and place her into custody. This morning, after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen, Arson Investigators along with PPB Patrol Officers from East Precinct responded immediately, located SCHUMACHER and placed her into custody. SCHUMACHER was lodged on one count of Arson in the first degree. The motive is unknown currently.
While Arson Investigators were interviewing SCHUMACHER, two other Arson Investigators were held over from an exhausting 24-hour shift in order to conduct follow up related to two fires that occurred earlier this morning near 814 NE 28th Avenue. These fires occurred between 2am and 3:30 am. During this investigation, they discovered two additional unreported fires in the same vicinity and time frame. Fire #1 was an intentional fire started on the exterior of a houseless camp where the occupant was asleep inside. Fire #2 was to a recycling bin across the street, Fire #3 was an attempted arson to the commercial building at 2808 NE Sandy Blvd. Fire #4 was an intentional fire ignited at the same houseless camp as Fire #1. This fire grew rapidly and extended to the Commercial Building at 814 NE 28th Avenue. This commercial building is of a taxpayer setup with occupied apartments above. Through the follow up investigation, evidence was located which provided investigators with a suspect description. Two investigators conducted an area check of the surrounding neighborhood to look for the suspect. The suspect later identified as JON MARTIN was located at another houseless camp nearby. Arson Investigators placed him into custody with the assistance of PPB Central Precinct Officers. MARTIN was lodged on 3 counts of Arson in the First Degree, 1 count of Arson II, 1 count of attempted Arson II, and Reckless Burning. The motive is unknown currently.
The penalties for Arson in the First Degree, a Class A Felony, are punishable up to 20 years in prison with fines potentially reaching $375,000. The minimum sentence if convicted of a Class A Felony is a 90-month sentence. Arson II, a Class C Felony, is punishable up to 5 years in prison along with up to $125,000 in fines. Reckless Burning is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable up to 1 year in prison and $650 in fines.
The Portland Fire Investigations Unit comprises fire investigators with Portland Fire & Rescue, who are sworn law enforcement officers, and a detective with the Portland Police Bureau. The collaboration leverages the specialized training and skills needed to investigate fires, including analysis equipment and accelerant detecting dogs.
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