A woman was sentenced Wednesday morning for igniting a fire at Elephant’s Delicatessen in Northwest Portland in March, causing millions of dollars in damage. She claimed she inadvertently started the fire while looking for food and a comfortable location to spend the night.
Catherine Stough, 56, has pleaded guilty to reckless burning and second-degree criminal mischief. A judge sentenced her to 180 days in jail, or six months, with credit for time served.
Police revealed security footage of Stough, who was homeless at the time, covered in a blanket outside the restaurant on Northwest 22nd Avenue. Stough admitted to investigators the day following the fire that she sparked it. “I had the most unbelievable feeling of guilt and remorse,” she explained.
In court, Stough discussed the events of March 11. I was soaked and freezing, so I immediately started racing to the nearest shelter I could locate to get out of the rain,” Stough explained.
She acknowledged that she started the fire by mistake while searching for food in a garbage can with her torch lighter. Stough attempted to extinguish the fire with a nearby hose but was unsuccessful. “This has been the single most catastrophic event in my entire life,” she explained.
According to court filings, the eatery has suffered around $2.5 million in damage.
“At the same time, this case highlights a gap in Oregon law. We believe that arson resulting from criminal negligence — particularly when it causes significant harm to people, property, and communities — should be treated as a felony, and that this gap should be addressed.
“This entire episode, including the documented threats to our business, risks to our employees and customers, and ultimate destruction of our physical location, highlights the urgent need for the City of Portland and Multnomah County to provide practical tools and systems for business encountering individuals who repeatedly create credible risks.”
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez also issued a statement:
“We do have compassion for her circumstances; however, that absolutely does not excuse what occurred here. This was a huge loss to our community,” Vasquez said.
Stough must also serve four years on probation.
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