Deputies Make Two Arrests in Grande Ronde Fires

The motive for both fires is unclear at this time police say, and their investigation is continuing.

18-year old Larry Wayne Whitley is one of two suspects arrested over the recent Grande Ronde fires Photo: Yamhill County Sheriff

(MCMINNVILLE, Ore.) - Polk County Sheriff's Office has made arrest of two males who they say are connected to the fires reported at Grand Ronde Elementary School and the Church of the Nazarene in Grand Ronde.

After continuing investigations, Polk County Deputies arrested 18-year old Larry Wayne Whitley of Grand Ronde on on July 4th at 11:48 PM.

Police say the arrest of Whitley also led to the arrest of 14-year old Joey Tutorow of Willamina, who was taken into custody on July 5th at 11:10 AM.

Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree, says both are charged with 3 counts of 1st degree Arson, 3 counts of Conspiracy to Commit 1st degree Arson, 3 counts of 1st degree Criminal Mischief and 3 couts of Conspiracy to Commit 1st degree Arson.

Whitley is lodged in the Polk County Jail, with bail set at 660,000.00. Tutorow was lodged in a Yamhill County juvenile facility. There is no allowance for bail because he a juvenile.

"Both arrests were the result of information developed by deputies continuing to talk with members of the community and possible suspects." Sheriff Bob Wolfe stated, "These arrests are the result of hard work by all involved agencies, information from members of the community and physical evidence at the scene."

Polk County Detectives applied for a search warrant of the residence of Whitley, then later arrested him after locating evidence of the fires at his residence. Tutorow was taken into custody in McMinnville.

The motive for both fires is unclear at this time police say, and their investigation is continuing.

Sheriff Bob Wolfe stated, "We are pleased with the assistance we received from Oregon State Police arson team, AFT, FBI and Department of Justice and particularly the community of Grand Ronde for assisting with information which lead to the arrest."