Man Charged in 4-Alarm Portland Fire with Attempted Murder and Bias Crime

Additional Charges for Man Accused of Arson in Portland Apartment Complex

A man accused of intentionally setting fire to a Portland apartment complex earlier this month is now facing additional charges related to the 4-alarm blaze. The incident occurred at the Vandalay Arms Apartments, located near Northeast 104th Avenue and East Burnside Street. According to reports, Shaun Szwarz, a 40-year-old resident, allegedly set fire to the complex on the morning of July 11.

Szwarz was arrested on the same day and initially booked on 18 charges, including six counts of arson, six counts of reckless endangerment, and six counts of criminal mischief. However, following a continued investigation by Portland Fire & Rescue in coordination with the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office, more charges have been added to his case.

Now, Szwarz faces a total of 38 charges. In addition to the original charges, the District Attorney’s Office has included new allegations such as attempt to commit any degree of murder or aggravated murder, assault, and bias crime. These additional charges highlight the severity of the incident and the ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding it.

Details of the Fire and Its Impact

The fire broke out early in the morning, with crews arriving on the scene just before 6 a.m. and extinguishing the bulk of the fire by 6:35 a.m. According to officials, 15 people were displaced as a result of the blaze. Eight individuals were rescued from the building, while two others were taken to the hospital for “elevated medical care” due to serious injuries. These injuries included second- and third-degree burns, inhalation injuries, a fractured vertebra, and an ankle. Additionally, four people jumped from upper-floor windows to escape the flames.

One of the residents who was injured, Abraham Olmos, shared his account with KOIN 6 News. He mentioned that his mother, who was visiting, suffered broken bones, a broken back, and third-degree burns on her feet. Olmos himself sustained deep second-degree burns on his hands and arms.

Investigation into the Cause of the Fire

According to Portland Fire & Rescue, the investigation determined that an accelerant was intentionally poured throughout the apartment and then ignited. Court documents revealed an “irregular pattern” from the front door to the back bedroom of a unit occupied by Szwarz at the time of the fire. This pattern was described as consistent with an ignitable liquid pour. Investigators also noted the presence of a strong smell of gasoline on the carpet.

Neighbors reported that they saw Szwarz and heard him scream racial profanities before the fire began. These accounts contributed to the growing evidence against him.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Developments

Szwarz made his first court appearance on July 14 and pleaded not guilty to all the charges. An attorney representing Szwarz has been contacted by KOIN 6 News, but no response has been received yet. The case remains under active investigation, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

The incident has sparked conversations about safety, accountability, and the impact of such events on the community. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served and preventing similar incidents in the future.