Overview
- Vashon M. Locust, 51, was arrested Nov. 4 and booked on misdemeanor charges of reckless burning and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief.
- Police say Locust entered a nearby shed to use an outlet for a heater and, when it failed, lit a small fire that grew into the larger blaze.
- Officials identified Locust from surveillance footage after publicly seeking a person of interest captured on video.
- The Oct. 26 fire damaged a truck, a hatchback, a wooden carport, and exterior walls of the townhome, and no physical injuries were reported to Avalos or her cat.
- Authorities say evidence indicates the incident was not a targeted political attack, though the investigation continues, including a subpoena tied to an anonymous threatening email to Avalos.