Foundation adds $5K to FBI reward in Washington ballot box arson case
Photos of a suspect vehicle in an arson incident at a Portland ballot drop box. Police believe the incident is connected to two others in Vancouver. Credit: Portland Police Bureau
WASHINGTON — The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering an additional $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the October ballot box fires in Vancouver, Washington, bringing the total potential reward to $30,000.
The FBI previously announced a $25,000 reward following the Oct. 28 incidents, where an incendiary device damaged two ballot boxes and hundreds of voting ballots in Vancouver. A similar attack occurred that month in Portland, Oregon, where an explosive device damaged another ballot box.
Surveillance footage from the Portland incident captured a dark-colored 2003 or 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan near the ballot box shortly before the explosion.
"Arson impacts everyone, causing devastating damage to lives and property while increasing insurance costs for the entire community," said Kenton Brine, NW Insurance Council president.
The Arson Alarm Foundation, which partners with NW Insurance Council and WSRB, maintains a $10,000 annual award fund for Washington residents who help authorities arrest or convict arsonists. The organization has distributed more than $100,000 to Washington citizens in the past decade.
Anyone with information can contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or the Arson Alarm Hotline at 800-552-7766. Tips may be submitted anonymously through arsonalarm.com.
This story was originally published by our news partners at KREM2 News.