Portland teen arrested after allegedly setting his own car on fire

The 19-year-old allegedly smashed the windows of his car and set it on fire, which spread to a nearby tree in someone's garden.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Portland teenager was arrested over the weekend after allegedly setting his own car on fire and putting others in danger.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, officers responded to multiple reports of a car on fire in the 15000 block of Southwest Sundew Drive on Saturday, June 22. When they arrived, law enforcement saw “a fully engulfed 1997 Toyota Camry.”

Deputies said they saw flames spreading to a tree in someone's yard next to the fire and embers were moving toward the occupied home. Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue then responded and extinguished the fire. No one was injured.

Authorities said the car's owner was Ethan Mills, a 19-year-old Portland resident. After an investigation, Mills was identified as the arson suspect. He is accused of setting his own car on fire after breaking its windows, the sheriff's office said.

Officers found Mills near where the fire started and arrested him. He is booked into the Washington County Sheriff's Office on charges of first and second degree arson, first degree criminal mischief and recklessly endangering others.