A Salem man is in custody following a felony arson investigation connected to an October apartment fire that endangered multiple residents and resulted in the deaths of three pets.
On Oct. 3, Salem Fire personnel and Salem patrol officers responded to a large structure fire at a four‑plex in the 200 block of Stoneway Drive Northwest in West Salem. The fire began in the stairwell, blocking the primary exit for residents. Several individuals were forced to jump from a second‑story balcony to escape the smoke and flames.
Due to the quick response and aggressive fire suppression by Salem Fire personnel, the fire was contained to the stairwell, minimizing damage to the overall structure.
Felony Crimes Unit arson investigators, working closely with Salem Fire Deputy Fire Marshals, conducted an extensive investigation. Based on the investigation the fire was determined to be intentionally set.
Calvin Tucker, 54, was identified early in the investigation as a person of interest. Tucker provided statements during an interview, and investigators were able to establish probable cause to believe he was responsible for setting the fire.
On Dec. 16 at approximately 4:50 a.m., with assistance from patrol officers, Tucker was taken into custody without incident.
Tucker will be lodged at the Polk County Jail on charges including four counts of arson in the first degree, three counts of animal abuse in the first degree and reckless endangering.
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