News release from the Newport PD. On January 29, 2015, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Newport Police Officers responded to the 200 block of SE Benton Street regarding a vehicle fire. When Officers arrived on scene, the cab and engine compartment of a Freightliner box-style delivery truck were fully engulfed in flames. Several concerned citizens had reported this information to the Dispatch center. Witnesses reported seeing a subject next to the truck minutes before it caught fire. The subject was then observed running from the scene. The subject was described as a white male adult, approximately 5’09”, balding hair line, 20 to 30 years of age, wearing a black jacket, possibly with a white stripe. The Newport Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire, preventing any serious damage to the adjacent building. Evidentiary clues left at the scene indicated to arson investigators that the truck was intentionally set on fire. The Newport Police Department is requesting help in identifying the subject seen running from the immediate area of the truck. Anyone with information they wish to report is asked to contact Officer Brad Purdom at 541-574-3348.
