In the early hours of January 2, 2022, a 4-alarm fire erupted at 231 East Main Street in Downtown Hillsboro. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department crews worked with assistance from neighboring fire departments to contain the fire and to protect nearby businesses and residents.
Once the fire was contained, the Hillsboro Police Department’s Investigations Unit, the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) convened a task force to investigate the case.
Suspect Arrested
On January 5, 2022, Hillsboro Police Department detectives arrested Roel Leon, age 34, of Hillsboro, for the arson at the Weil Arcade committed on January 2, 2022.
In addition, Leon was arrested for arsons committed on two nearby vehicles on January 2, 2022, as well as a burglary in Downtown Hillsboro committed on December 4, 2021.
Leon was lodged in the Washington County Jail and charged with felony crimes: Two counts of Arson-II and three counts of Burglary-II.
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue investigators are still working to determine the official cause of the fire.
Body Found
As part of the ongoing investigation of the Weil Arcade fire on Main Street in Downtown Hillsboro being conducted by the Hillsboro Police Department, the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) investigators discovered the remains of a deceased male inside the location of the fire earlier this week.
The man’s death was determined to be caused by smoke inhalation. Hillsboro Police detectives are working to identify the victim, who is not believed to be associated with the Weil Arcade businesses or location. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue concluded its investigation and determined the fire was intentionally set.
The discovery of the victim was delayed due to safety concerns with the building. We do not believe there are anymore victims in the debris. Information from the discovery of the deceased person will be forwarded to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for review and charging decisions.
If anyone has more information related to this case, please contact Detective Michelle Hahn of the Hillsboro Police Department at 503-681-6190, or email Michelle.Hahn@hillsboro-oregon.gov in reference to HPD case numbers 21-20779, 22-54, 22-55, and 22-102.
