Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez’s Car Set On Fire At His Home
Portland, Ore – An arson investigation is underway following a car fire in the Eastmoreland Neighborhood, specifically at the home of City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez.
On Friday, January 12, 2024, at 1:34 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) responded to a car fire. The parked and unoccupied vehicle, a white 2024 Honda Accord belonging to a family member of Commissioner Gonzalez, was found in front of the commissioner’s home. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Initial findings at the scene indicated that the fire was intentionally set. PF&R requested the assistance of a Fire Investigator and Portland Police. East Precinct officers joined the scene, aiding in the preliminary investigation. The vehicle sustained significant damage and was ultimately destroyed by the fire.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspect information is available for release.
The Portland Fire Investigations Unit, a collaboration between fire investigators from PF&R and a detective from the Portland Police Bureau, is leading the investigation. This unit comprises sworn law enforcement officers with specialized training and skills needed to investigate fires, utilizing analysis equipment and accelerant detecting dogs.
Individuals with information about this arson case are urged to contact Portland Police Detective Meredith Hopper at [email protected] or call the PF&R Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line at 503-823-FIRE (3473). Reference case number PP24-9217 and PF&R case number RP24-4159.
