Video from surveillance cameras at C-Tran’s Fisher’s Landing Transit Center captured the Oct. 28 fiery explosion of the east Vancouver ballot box that damaged hundreds of ballots.
A dark-colored sedan can be seen driving up to the ballot box at 3510 S.E. 164th Ave. shortly after 2:30 a.m. and stopping there for about 30 seconds before driving away. Shortly after the car pulls away, smoke can be seen rising from the box before it explodes, and smoke continues to billow from the box.
Vancouver police pulled the smoldering ballots from the drop box about 4 a.m., according to a statement from the agency. The drop box’s fire suppression system didn’t activate.
Investigators have connected the arsonist to three ballot box attacks in Vancouver and Southeast Portland.
About an hour after the Vancouver attack, Portland police were called about 3:30 a.m. to the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street for reports of a fire in a ballot box, according to a statement. The ballot box is in the same block as the Multnomah County Elections Division building.
Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott told the Associated Press that the fire suppressant inside the drop box protected nearly all the ballots; only three were damaged.
Authorities say the arsonist used incendiary devices to attack both ballot boxes, as well as a third in downtown Vancouver on Oct. 8.
Portland officials previously released a photo of the 2001 to 2004 Volvo S60 they say they’ve connected to the fires.
At a Portland press conference last week, Portland Police Bureau spokesman Mike Benner said detectives believe the arsonist is a white man between the ages of 30 and 40 years old. He is balding or has very short hair, a medium to slim build and a thin face. He was wearing a dark shirt during the attacks.
“We believe this suspect has a wealth of experience in metal fabrication and welding,” Benner said. “Investigators believe it is very possible the suspect intends to continue these targeted attacks across the area.”
The Clark County Elections Office released photos last week showing hundreds of singed and burned ballots. Staff were able to identify 488 damaged ballots, but they say others may have been burned to ash and unidentifiable. The ballot box has since been replaced.
Vancouver police and Clark County sheriff’s deputies have increased patrols around the boxes, and elections staffers are observing the boxes 24/7. The FBI is investigating the attacks.
Police preparedness
Vancouver police officials say they’ve prepared safety plans ahead of Election Day in order to ensure any demonstrations remain peaceful.
The department said in a news release Monday the agency aims to protect people’s rights to free speech while maintaining people’s safety and protecting property.
“The city has a long history of supporting the rights of individuals to assemble peacefully,” City Manager Lon Pluckhahn said in the news release. “Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, we remain committed to ensuring that all expressions of free speech are conducted in a safe, lawful, and respectful manner.”
Officials have not identified any threats or election events planned in Vancouver, but the department said it will increase staffing throughout the week. The agency warned investigators will use available video footage to follow up on any incidents if they’re not able to complete investigations at the time.
“The Vancouver Police Department fully supports people’s rights to assemble and engage in free speech, however they must do that in a lawful and peaceful manner; criminal behavior will not be tolerated in the city of Vancouver and individuals who engage in violent behavior or who come here to destroy or damage property will be investigated and will be subject to arrest and prosecution,” Vancouver Police Interim Chief Troy Price said.
Police officials intend to use the department’s X page to post any public messages or updates, @VancouverPDUSA, the news release states.
