A man has been apprehended and is now facing charges related to arson and domestic violence after using a Molotov cocktail to set fire to an occupied trailer. On Thursday, April 18, 2024, at approximately 6:14 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a fire in a travel trailer located at the intersection of Southeast 162nd Avenue and Southeast Division Street. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, and upon investigation, it was determined to be an act of arson. At the time of the incident, the trailer was occupied by an adult male and an adult female, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Later that day, at around 9:26 a.m., officers from the East Precinct of the Portland Police Bureau responded to a call regarding suspicious circumstances near the same intersection. A neighbor had discovered a shopping cart containing what appeared to be incendiary devices, specifically Molotov cocktails. As the investigation unfolded, the officers noticed a suspect, identified as 33-year-old William A. Wingo, in close proximity. The suspect attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by the officers.
Further investigation revealed that Wingo had previously lived in the trailer and had been in a relationship with the female victim. Additionally, it was determined that on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Wingo had assaulted the female victim with a slingshot and set a blanket on fire.
Following interviews with detectives, Wingo was taken into custody and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He is facing multiple charges, including Arson in the First Degree-Domestic Violence (2 counts), Possession of a Destructive Device (3 counts), Manufacturing of a Destructive Device (3 counts), Domestic Violence Assault in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree-DV, Reckless Endangering Another Person, and unrelated warrants.
The Fire Investigations Unit expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the East Precinct patrol, the Metro Area Explosives Disposal Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in resolving the case. The Portland Fire Investigations Unit is continuing its investigation into this incident.
