Arsonist with butane torches tried to start dumpster fires in downtown Portland: Police

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man was arrested after allegedly setting several fires in Downtown Portland on the Fourth of July, authorities say.

Portland Fire & Rescue was initially called to Southwest 2nd and Alder on reports that a man had allegedly set fire to dumpsters in the area. Authorities say crews were able to put out the fires before they spread in cardboard bins.

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The man — identified by police as 44-year-old Shawn Paden — was soon found by PPB officers near Southwest 4th and Oak, with multiple butane torches on him, officials say.

He was booked into the Multnomah County jail on charges of second-degree arson and disorderly conduct.

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