Portland ballot box arson suspect may repeat

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – Portland law enforcement leaders held a press conference around the topic of election security.

The suspect caused hundreds of ballots to burn on Monday in Vancouver and installed the “device” at another ballot box in Portland that same morning.

Investigators warned the suspect could strike again before Election Day.

“Investigators believe it is possible that the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks throughout the area,” Portland Police Bureau spokesman Mike Banner told reporters.

Burnt ballots sit on a table at the Clack County elections office.(KPTV)

Another ballot box arson earlier this month in Clark County also involved the same suspect but did not damage any ballots, according to police.

On Wednesday, police released a description of the suspect: a man between 30 and 40 years old, bald or with very short hair, thin to medium build, with a thin face.

He is likely an expert in metalworking and/or welding. He was seen driving a dark-colored Volvo S60 from 2001-2004.

Clark and Multnomah County officials said they enhanced security at the ballot boxes until Election Day. The FBI is also investigating.