Reward Offered for Arrest of Salem Area Arson Suspect

The Oregon Council Against Arson is offering a reward of up $5,000 for information regarding the suspect or suspects in this case.

Fire in December 2008 that investigators are trying to solve. Photos: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore.) - May 3rd through 9th is "National Arson Awareness Week" and the Marion County Sheriff's Office would like to take this opportunity to request the public's help with any information they may have regarding an unsolved arson case from December 2008.

Lt. Sheila Lorance says on December 6th 2008, the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a residential burglary and fire in the 4000 block of 46th Ave NE.

Sheriff's Office Detective Mathieu LaCrosse, who is also a fire investigator, determined the fire was intentionally set and it was investigated as an arson.

However, there were no leads and no one has been arrested in that case.

Detective LaCrosse's investigation revealed that the suspect or suspects forced entry into the residence and stole jewelry and other undisclosed items.

They then poured a flammable liquid throughout the house and lit it on fire. Extensive damage was done to both the inside and outside of the home. No one was home at the time of the Burglary/Arson.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective LaCrosse at (503) 540-8007.

The Oregon Council Against Arson is offering a reward of up $5,000 for information regarding the suspect/s in this case (the amount awarded is based on the information provided).

The Sheriff's Office has investigated several cases of arson in Marion County that have resulted in an arrest and conviction, such as:

* In 2007, Gerry Wayne Toran was convicted of Arson 1 and Child Neglect II (2 counts) after he set fire to his Campus Loop apartment in an attempt to get out of a lease. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

* In 2009, Kam Shing "Daniel" Chan was convicted of Arson and 7 counts of Attempted Murder for attempting to kill a large number of people at the People's Church with fire. He was sentenced to 75 years in prison.