PORTLAND, Ore. — A man suspected of setting multiple fires throughout Portland was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon and booked on more than a dozen arson-related charges, according to authorities.
At approximately 12:15 p.m. on July 30, 2025, 33-year-old Aubrey A. Edwards was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges that include Arson in the First Degree, two counts of Attempted Arson in the First Degree, ten counts of Arson in the Second Degree, and two counts of Reckless Burning. Investigators said more charges could follow as the case continues to develop.
Edwards is suspected of setting at least six separate fires after his initial arrest and release from jail.
The Portland Police Bureau said the suspected arson incidents involved burning garbage cans, mattresses, and debris in various parts of the city:
- In the 100 block of Northwest 6th Avenue, garbage cans were set on fire
- At Northwest 8th Avenue and Northwest Glisan Street, more garbage cans were burned
- On Northwest 9th Avenue near Johnson Street, a mattress and debris were ignited
- In the 300 block of North Broadway, another mattress fire was reported
- At the 1800 block of Northeast 1st Avenue, additional garbage cans were burned
- Near North Williams Avenue and Northeast San Rafael Street, another fire was set in a garbage can
Portland Fire & Rescue assisted police in the investigation and response.
Authorities have not said when Edwards was first released or what prompted his initial arrest, but confirmed the latest charges stem from fires set after he was back on the streets.
The Portland Police Bureau thanked Portland Fire & Rescue for its assistance in the ongoing investigation.