A Portland City Councilor, Candace Avalos, who advocated for housing the homeless, experienced a shocking incident when her home was set ablaze by a homeless individual. This ironic turn of events highlights the complexities surrounding homelessness in the city.
• Incident Overview: Candace Avalos, a Democrat and city councilor, found her townhome and car burned down by a 51-year-old homeless man named Vashon Locust.
• Arrest Details: Locust was arrested for the crime on October 28 after the fire spread from a makeshift fire he started to stay warm.
• His Actions: Locust attempted to use an electric outlet in a shed near Avalos’ home, and when that failed, he started a fire. He later claimed it got out of control but tried to extinguish it by stomping on it.
• Legal Charges: He faces charges of reckless burning, second-degree mischief, and trespassing— all misdemeanors. Locust has a long criminal history, with over 50 prior arrests.
• Response from Avalos: After the fire, Avalos stated that she felt targeted due to her political beliefs and linked the incident to broader issues of division and threats faced by public service officials.
• Background on Avalos: She has been vocal about the need for safe spaces for unhoused individuals, previously advocating for their rights in a published column.
• Locust's Criminal History: Records detail that he has had multiple arrests and incidents since 2006, including a recent case where he harassed a woman with a stick.
The incident involving Candace Avalos' home represents the ongoing struggles and tensions related to homelessness in Portland. While Avalos promotes support for the homeless, her experience serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks that can arise in addressing these societal issues. Locust remains in jail pending legal proceedings.
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