Deputies Seek Suspect in Arson Fires

WHITE CITY – Deputies are investigating a series of fires in a White City mobile home community. The unknown suspect has caused thousands of dollars of damage to property and endangered residents in the neighborhood.

On Thursday, August 3, at 10:33 pm, the first fire was reported at Colonial Mobile Estates, 3777 Falcon St. An unknown person set fire to a pickup parked outside a mobile home. The residents noticed the flames; a neighbor used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Jackson County Fire District #3 responded to the incident.

A surveillance camera in the area captured video of the suspect (images are unavailable for release at this time). He is described as a male teen or young adult, approximately six feet tall, wearing a light colored hooded shirt, light colored pants, and athletic shoes.

On Saturday, August 5, at 9:58 pm, a fire was reported in the bed of a pickup in the same mobile home park. Crews from Jackson County Fire District #3 extinguished the flames before they engulfed the vehicle and spread to a nearby home. Deputies checking the area located evidence of a fire in an outbuilding adjacent to another mobile home and within several feet of additional occupied homes.

Residents are asked to be vigilant and to call dispatch to report suspicious activity in the area (541-776-7206). In the meantime, deputies will increase patrols and detectives will follow up on leads. They would like to hear from anyone who has information about the fires or the identity of the suspect. Callers to the JCSO tip line (541-774-8333) should refer to case 17-16444.