A 42-year-old man from Portland has been arrested in connection with a suspected arson fire that destroyed an under-construction youth recovery center earlier this month.
Police identified the suspect as Darrell J. Smith, who is currently being held at the Multnomah County Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including first- and second-degree arson, reckless burning and criminal mischief.
Fire investigators determined that the April 11 blaze was intentionally set, though authorities believe the building may have been targeted at random.
The fire broke out near Northeast 100th Avenue and East Burnside Street, where nearly 100 firefighters responded to intense flames that had already spread through the roof by the time crews arrived.
The building was being developed by 4D Recovery as a comprehensive youth recovery center. Executive director Tony Vezina previously said the project was nearly complete and described the destruction as devastating.
The planned facility was intended to provide a wide range of services for teenagers, including addiction counseling, detox programs, mental health support and psychiatric care.
Authorities also suspect Smith may be linked to three additional fires reported on the same day. Court records show he has a prior criminal history spanning the past decade, including charges related to burglary, drug possession and reckless burning.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the full extent of the incidents.
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