PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — On Oct. 26, a raging fire destroyed multiple cars, a carport and damaged the home of Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos.
A little over a week later, investigators announced they had made an arrest, and they revealed that the fire was not an act of political violence as many had feared, but an accident allegedly caused by a homeless man trying to stay warm.
Vashon Locust has struggled with mental health and addiction for years and has been in and out of a criminal justice system that struggled to get him help or hold him accountable.
As Willamette Week reports, his story is one that is all too common in Oregon.
To shine a light on Locust’s story, WW reporter Sophie Peel joined KATU’s Steve Dunn on Wednesday.
To watch the story, click the video player above, to read more from Willamette Week, click here.