A Utah man indicted for first-degree arson in connection with at least three Oregon wildfires may be responsible for other wildfires in the Northwest, according to the Oregon State Police.
On August 29th of this year, OSP began an investigation into four wildland fires that burned along the Highway 97 between the Lava River Cave and Mile Post 180, south of La Pine, Oregon.
“Three of the fires were contained at less than two acres and the fourth fire, which was later called the McKay Fire near La Pine, grew to approximately 1,219 acres,” said Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Bill Fugate. “Through a collaborative law enforcement effort and information obtained from the public, a suspect was developed. The suspect was located by OSP Troopers on September 3, 2017, as he entered Oregon on Interstate 84 near Ontario -- driving a (reportedly) stolen blue 2016 Hyundai Sonata.”
Christopher Glen Wilson, 37, of Salt Lake City, was arrested and booked into the Malheur County Jail for unauthorized use of a vehicle. Five days later, Wilson was indicted by a Deschutes County Grand Jury on three counts of first-degree arson and reckless endangerment. “He will be facing arraignment in the near future in Deschutes County Circuit Court,” Fugate stated.
Investigators says it is possible Wilson may be responsible for other fires in the Northwest. OSP is asking for the public's help for any information on Wilson -- or if anyone saw the vehicle he was driving (it has a distinct sticker in the back window) in any areas where wildland fires have broken out.
If you have any such information, you are urged to contact the Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555.
