Portland man charged in string of arsons across city after release from jail

Portland man charged in string of arsons across city after release from jail

Posted by
1 min read
August 1, 2025

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.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Facebook

Don't Miss