On Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 7:56 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched along with Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue to a car fire in the parking lot of the Fred Meyer at 7700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. This is in the Raleigh Hills area, part of the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD).
Multiple people called 911 to report a car was fully engulfed in flames behind the store. Thankfully no one was inside the car. Deputies viewed surveillance video and it showed a subject walking up to the gas tank area of the car with something in hand. A few moments later, there was a large explosion. The subject backed away and the video showed the subject’s hand or arm on fire. The person was able to remove a burning item of clothing and walk away. The fire spread quickly inside the car, which was destroyed.
The surveillance video can be seen here:
The arson suspect was wearing a dark hoodie, backpack, and dark pants. If anyone saw a person matching that description in the area at the time, or has information about this crime, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2700. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit are leading the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office has several detectives with specific training to investigate arson.
The Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD) provides law enforcement services for more than 237,000 residents in the urban areas outside of cities in Washington County, including Bethany, Cedar Mill, Cedar Hills, Aloha, Reedville, Garden Home, Metzger, Rock Creek, Raleigh Hills, Bull Mountain, Bonny Slope, West Slope, Oak Hills, and more. Voters first approved the ESPD in 1987 and all local option levies since then.
