Portland Muslim Community Center Arson Suspect Linked To 2nd Attack

PORTLAND, OR — A man who Portland police say they suspect of arson and a possible bias crime after a fire was set Wednesday evening outside the Muslim Community Center in north Portland is now wanted in connection with a second attack, according to police.

Police released a photo of a shattered window at Congregation Shir Tikvah/Eastside Jewish Commons at 2420 NE. Sandy Blvd..

The window was shattered around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to police.

Meanwhile, around 6:45 p.m.Wednesday, the same person went around the back of the center, at 5325 N. Vancouver Ave., poured an accelerant on the building and tried to set it on fire, police said. After an unsuccessful first attempt, he tried again, police said.

The result was a small fire that caused minor damage, according to police and the Portland Fire Bureau. An arson investigator from the Police Bureau and one from Portland Fire & Rescue are working together on the case.

A $2,500 reward is offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person.

People with information about either attack are asked to reach out to Detective Meredith Hopper at 503-823-3408 or Meredith.hooper@portlandoregon.gov.