Corvallis Police and Fire Departments Investigating Suspicious Fires

12/10/2018 9:40 AM

Media Contact:

Lt. Jason Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6924 / jason.harvey@corvallisoregon.gov

Corvallis Police and Fire Departments Investigating Suspicious Fires

On 12-09-18 at approximately 0209 hours, officers and firefighters responded to the 200 block of NW 29th St for a report a fire on the front steps of a residence. The residence received only minor/superficial damage and no one was injured.

While on scene investigating the initial fire, officers located a person of interest in the initial fire as well as a second fire inside a residence in the 200 block of NW 30th St. The person of interest was taken into custody.

The second fire did extensive damage to the residence and Corvallis Fire personnel are still on scene. An investigation is ongoing and there is no danger to the public.

This is the currently available information. Additional details may be available for release on Monday, 12-10-18.

UPDATE:

On 12-09-18 at about 0208 hours Corvallis Police Department (CPD) Patrol Officers were dispatched to a report of an explosion and fire at 220 NW 29th St.  One of the callers reported seeing a gas can left burning in the middle of the street.  CPD Officers arrived in the area and found the front wooden steps at the residence of 220 NW 29th St had been burned.  At about 0350 hours a male, later identified as Donald Freeman Jr. began detonating large fireworks near the area of NW 30th St. and NW Van Buren Ave. This area is within one block of the residence on NW 29th St.  Officers located Freeman in the area.  He attempted to spray several of the officers with a can of bear mace and a foot chase ensued when Freeman refused to obey the officers verbal commands and he fled the area on foot.  Four Corvallis Police officers were exposed to the bear mace.  Freeman was last seen running into the residence located at 239 NW 30th St.  This was later determined to be Freeman’s residence where he resides with a female relative.

A short time later, there was an explosion inside the southeast corner of the house, and in less than one minute, flames were seen inside the residence.  A Corvallis Police Sergeant on scene observed Freeman’s relative (a resident of the house) enter the front living room.  Based on the immediate danger to her life and safety, the Corvallis Police Sergeant entered the residence through the front door and escorted her out of the house and away from the fire.  The fire spread and ultimately caused significant damage to the structure.  

CPD Officers maintained a perimeter around the residence with the assistance of Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies.  Corvallis Fire Department staff arrived on scene and eventually extinguished the fire.  Due to the high risk to the public and the importance of immediately locating and arresting Freeman (before any further persons or property could be damaged or destroyed), the back yard was searched at the residence and Freeman was located hiding in a dog house.  Freeman was taken into custody.  At that time, he was in possession of a green Bic lighter and several types of fireworks including M-60 explosives. 

Freeman was later transported to the Benton County Jail where he was lodged on multiple counts of following charges:

Arson I

Criminal Mischief I

Disorderly Conduct II

Unlawful Use of Teargas II

Attempted Assault of a Public Safety Officer

Possession of Illegal Fireworks

https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/inmate_detail?inmate=1700003631