PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Aubrey Edwards, 35, was arrested twice in one day in connection with a series of arson incidents in Portland that began on July 20. Authorities suspect Edwards started several fires, including some after his release from jail early Wednesday morning.
This case highlights concerns around Oregon’s 2021 Senate Bill 48, which shifted the authority to approve pretrial release from judges to release officers. The bill established strict guidelines to reduce the length of jail stays for low-level offenses, aiming to minimize the impact on accused individuals’ lives before conviction.
Previously, judges made release decisions during arraignment, but the new system allows release officers to approve release, particularly when courts are closed.
Mike Benner, spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau, said officers responded to two car fires on the evening of July 29 and arrested Edwards early July 30 on charges of second-degree arson and reckless burning. Because these fires did not threaten lives, Edwards was released around 3 a.m.
However, Edwards allegedly set six more fires on his way home. Police caught and arrested him again within hours, booking him on over a dozen charges, including first-degree arson due to potential danger to residents.
Republican lawmaker Kevin Mannix criticized the current system, arguing that judges’ discretion is essential for preventing repeat offenses. Mannix is leading an effort to collect signatures for a 2026 ballot measure aimed at reversing the 2021 law and returning release decisions to judges.
Supporters of the bill, including former Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, argue that cash bail is unfair and disproportionately affects low-income individuals who cannot afford bail, leading to unnecessary detention before trial.
The police have linked Edwards to fires at several locations, including:
100 block of Northwest 6th Avenue (garbage cans)
Northwest 8th Avenue and Glisan Street (garbage cans)
Northwest 9th Avenue and Johnson Street (mattress and debris)
300 block of North Broadway (mattress and debris)
1800 block of Northeast 1st Avenue (garbage cans)
North Williams Avenue and Northeast San Rafael Street (garbage can)
Authorities continue to investigate and expect more charges.
