Incendiary device set off inside SE Portland ballot box, causing fire

PORTLAND, Ore. — An investigation is underway after an incendiary device was discovered inside a ballot box in Portland early Monday morning.

On October 28, at approximately 3:30 a.m., officers were sent to reports of a fire at a ballot box located in the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street.

By the time officers arrived, security personnel in the area had already extinguished the fire.

Investigators say an incendiary device had been placed inside the ballot box, igniting the fire.

The Portland Police Bureau’s Explosive Disposal Unit responded to the scene and successfully cleared the device.

The Portland Fire Investigations Unit also responded to the scene. This unit utilizes specialized training and equipment, including accelerant-detecting dogs, to investigate fires.

Anyone with information regarding this arson case is urged to contact Portland Police Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov or call the Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line at 503-823-FIRE (3473). Please reference case number 24-276181.