Two arrested after fleeing arson scene

Oscar J. Solario, 22, and Danielle Ford, 18, have both been charged with first degree Arson in connection with the fire that destroyed a vehicle on Davis Drive shortly after midnight on Feb. 11.

According to sheriff's reports, the car had been doused with gasoline before being torched about 13 feet from the home of Solario's ex-girlfriend. His two young children, ages 2 and 3, were also allegedly sleeping in that residence.

Ford and a 16-year-old passenger had reportedly driven Solario within a short distance of the victim's house and he then left on foot carrying a can of gasoline and a lighter. The suspect can was later found in a neighboring yard.

When he returned to the car a few minutes later, Solario allegedly got into the trunk and Ford sped away from the area. A vehicle matching the one registered to Ford was witnessed leaving the scene. That individual informed police that it matched a car driven by a young woman who shared a residence with Solario's brother.

Police also learned that Solario had allegedly publicly threatened the day before to kill his 22-year-old ex-girlfriend and/or blow up her car because of a disagreement over child visitation.

A few minutes after deputies arrived and the Odell Fire Department put out the flames on the fully engulfed Honda Accord, city officers observed the suspect car traveling eastbound on Interstate 84 near mile post 67. Ford was behind the wheel of the vehicle when it was pulled over and Solario was found hiding in the trunk and, according to reports, reeked of gasoline. The juvenile passenger also gave a statement to police that implicated Solario and Ford.

Solario reportedly told officers that Ford did not take part in "what was done," although he refused to identify what that action entailed.

At the time of his arrest, Solario was wanted on two warrants related to a criminal mischief and harassment case from November of 2001. Both he and Ford were indicted by a grand jury for the arson charges on Friday. No charges have yet been brought against the juvenile.

Solario is being held in NORCOR unless a $7,500 cash bail is posted. His formal arraignment will be on Feb. 25.

Ford was released when her mother posted a $2,000 cash bail. She has been placed on house arrest until her formal arraignment on Feb. 20 and is only allowed to leave her mother's residence for school and employment.

Hood River District Attorney John Sewell said first degree Arson is a Class A felony and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.