FBI offering reward in ballot box fire case

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The FBI’s Seattle Field Office is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible for setting incendiary fires at two ballot boxes in Vancouver and one in Portland. The FBI’s Seeking Information poster can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/ballot-box-fires.

On Oct. 8, between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m., an unknown individual placed an improvised incendiary device on a ballot drop box in Vancouver. Subsequently, on Oct. 28, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., improvised incendiary devices were placed on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver and Portland.

According to a news release, a surveillance camera captured images of an early 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan, dark in color, with dark wheels and a light-colored interior, driven by the suspect believed to be responsible for these crimes. The vehicle does not have a Volvo logo on the front grill. At the time of the Oct. 28 incidents, the vehicle also displayed a fraudulent temporary Washington license plate on the rear and no front license plate. The plate, which is not associated with a Volvo, may no longer be on the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle is described as a white male, approximately 30 to 40 years old, with thinning hair. It is believed that he may have some experience with metal work and welding, according to the news release.

Anyone with information is asked to call their nearest FBI office, provide information online at tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).