Lane County, OR – A 52-year-old man was arrested for allegedly setting multiple fires along I-5 on Saturday afternoon.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Michael David Brown was detained after police responded to a report of a man starting fires along the shoulder of Franklin Boulevard near Goshen. Brown reportedly resisted arrest but was eventually apprehended by deputies and Oregon State Police troopers.
Authorities reported that Brown was actively lighting fires when he was first contacted by law enforcement. The fires prompted multiple evacuations, though no major evacuations were required as firefighters gained control of the flames before they could spread further.
According to officials, Brown was booked into Lane County Jail on five counts of first-degree arson, reckless burning, and reckless endangerment. He also faces charges of second-degree disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
During the investigation, deputies discovered Brown had set another fire on Franklin Boulevard at Seavey Loop Road on August 26. Brown faces an additional arson charge for that incident.
Thanks to the swift response of multiple fire departments, all evacuation notices have since been cleared. Brown remains in custody as authorities investigate further.
