Accused arsonist arrested after N. Portland fires, re-arrested after setting downtown fires
According to Portland police, just before 8 p.m. on Tuesday night, officers responded to a reported vehicle fire near Northeast Failing Street and North Vancouver Avenue, where they found a burned vehicle.
A suspect was quickly identified, and police said they arrested 35-year-old Aubrey A. Edwards that same evening.
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Officials said they believe Edwards also started a different vehicle fire near Northeast Mallory Avenue and Northeast Beech Street earlier in the evening.
After the arrest, Edwards was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on numerous charges at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Edwards was released a few hours later, and police said they believe he lit another six to eight fires between Downtown Portland and North Portland, resulting in his second arrest within just a few hours. He was once again booked into jail just after noon on Wednesday
Edwards is accused of charges that include first-degree arson, two counts of first-degree attempted arson, 10 counts of second-degree arson, and two counts of reckless burning. Police said that additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
As far as why Edwards was initially released from custody, it was based on booking criteria that the jail uses.
Police said they also believe Edwards is responsible for the fires around and near Irving Park on July 20 and July 27, and more charges will be added once he is booked again.
So far, the arson fires allegedly connected to Edwards include:
100 block of NW 6th Ave: Garbage cans burned
NW 8th Ave and Glisan St: Garbage cans burned
NW 9th Ave and Johnson St: Mattress and debris burned
300 block of North Broadway: Mattress and debris burned
1800 block of NE 1st Ave: Garbage cans burned
N Williams Ave and NE San Rafael St: Garbage can burned
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact Portland police.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said he was 'outraged' at the fact that Edwards was released after an initial arrest, only to then allegedly commit more crimes.
'I was outraged by the release of this individual and the horrible outcome it had for our community. The presiding judge order needs to be re-evaluated so that we can prevent such individuals from being released before they see a judge,' Vasquez said in a statement to KOIN 6 News.
Vasquez is referring to guidelines used to decide whether a suspect is held or released. Edwards was initially released because second-degree arson is considered a lesser crime. In addition, Edwards had little criminal background history and it was determined in an assessment that he was unlikely to repeat the crime.
After the second arrest, Edwards will now remain in jail until a court appearance scheduled for Thursday.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
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