Arson Suspect Linked to Three Fires | Portland News

Thirty-one-year-old Josue Paredes Merino is now facing first-degree arson charges after allegedly setting a devastating fire at a Vancouver furniture store that caused $640,000 in damage. He was already under suspicion after being arrested earlier this month for theft and a smaller brush fire near an overpass — a blaze he allegedly started while stealing a bike, which led to a dramatic standoff with a homeowner who held him at gunpoint. Authorities are also investigating a third fire around the same time, making Merino a person of interest in all three incidents. With surveillance footage pointing to him and multiple arrests already on his record, this case is rapidly escalating as investigators dig deeper into his possible role in these destructive fires. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6eebbf765ab23b71