BAKER COUNTY, OR – Oregon State Police (OSP) report that three juveniles are in custody for an arson fire that destroyed Baker City's Central Building in May.
On May 22, 2024, the Baker City Fire Department and neighboring fire agencies responded to a fire at the vacant Baker City Central Building—the original Baker High School built in 1917. The historic building was a total loss as a result of the fire. The Oregon State Police Arson Unit was requested to assist in the fire investigation.
The investigation revealed the fire was started intentionally. Through a detailed investigation, investigators identified three juvenile suspects. In partnership with the Baker City Police Department, Baker County Sheriff's Office, Baker County Juvenile Department, and the Baker County District Attorney's Office, search warrants were served, and evidence linking the three juveniles to the fire was located.
Additionally, the juveniles have been implicated in stolen firearms cases. All three juvenile suspects are currently in custody.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
