September 12, 2022
Elisabeth Shepard, Communications Director
DA Mike Schmidt announces two suspects in Mount Tabor arson arraigned
PORTLAND, Oregon – Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Samuel Perkins and Malik Hares, both 18 years old, have been arraigned on Arson in the First Degree.
The charge stems from several separate incidents of arson between July 15 and September 9 of 2022, in the area of Mount Tabor Park, prior to and after a burn ban citing high temperatures, limited rainfall, and dry conditions was issued. Another fire was allegedly started during a Red Flag warning that cited worsening conditions for wildfires including high temperatures, low humidity, and 40-mile-an-hour winds issued on September 9 through 10.
On or around September 10, Portland police interviewed suspects in the arson including Hares and Perkins. Video footage showed Hares and Malik in the area of Mount Tabor Park around the time one of the fires was ignited. Each admitted to involvement in starting the fires. Hares admitted he returned to the areas where they had started fires to observe Portland Fire and Rescue put them out and spoke with responding firefighters and an investigator.
These alleged incidents are subject to an ongoing investigation that may yield subsequent criminal charges.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Hares and Perkins are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#