A Portland city councilor, a vocal advocate for providing housing to the homeless, found herself the victim of a devastating act last week. The irony was stark and unsettling, a cruel twist of fate that sent shockwaves through the city.
Vashon Locust, a 51-year-old man experiencing homelessness, was arrested after allegedly setting fire to the townhome and car belonging to Councilor Candace Avalos. The charges filed against him – reckless burning, second-degree mischief, and trespassing – are all misdemeanors, yet the impact was profound.
Police documents reveal a chilling sequence of events. On October 26th, Locust reportedly sought shelter in a shed near Avalos’ home, attempting to use an electrical outlet. When that failed, he ignited a fire, initially intending it as a source of warmth.
The fire quickly spiraled out of control. Locust, according to the affidavit, attempted to extinguish the flames with his foot before fleeing the scene and seeking refuge in a nearby church. He later returned to survey the damage.
Councilor Avalos and her cat escaped the blaze unharmed, but the incident left her shaken and questioning the motives behind the attack. She publicly stated that she believed she was targeted due to her political stance and the increasingly divisive climate.
Avalos has long been a champion for Portland’s homeless population, famously writing in 2021 that “Our unhoused neighbors deserve a safe and clean place to sleep.” This commitment now stands in stark contrast to the circumstances she faced.
Court records paint a complex picture of Locust’s history. Since 2006, he has been arrested over 50 times on a range of felony and misdemeanor charges. A recent incident in February involved allegations of harassment and threatening behavior towards a woman in North Portland.
Locust remains in jail awaiting his first court appearance, with no attorney currently assigned to his case. The reckless burning charge has yet to be addressed in court, leaving many questions unanswered.
The incident has ignited a debate about safety, vulnerability, and the challenges facing both those experiencing homelessness and those who serve in public office. It’s a story of unexpected consequences and a city grappling with complex issues.
