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Woman Arrested in Connection with Apartment Fire

On October 29, 2022, just after 3:00 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a fire at an apartment building in the 8100 block of Southwest Barnes Road.
Media release
Sheriff's Office

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Deputies began facilitating resident evacuations, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R) were dispatched to fight the fire.

Deputies and firefighters rescued multiple residents and their pets from the apartments. Eight residents, along with one firefighter, suffered injuries. Roughly two dozen people were displaced as a result of the fire.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detectives, working with TVF&R Fire Investigators, determined the fire was set intentionally.

On November 2, 2022, Detectives arrested 51-year-old Wendy Kay Southam of Portland. She was taken to the Washington County Jail and lodged on the following charges related to the fire:

  • Arson in the first degree
  • Animal Abuse in the second degree
  • Assault in the second degree
  • Criminal Mischief in the first degree

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detectives at 503-846-2700.

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