Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Capsule reports

Arson suspected

Police are investigating a suspected arson that severely damaged a Portland home about 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Portland Fire Department responded to a call to 134 E. Water St. for a fire that started in the living room and spread throughout the house.

Three firetrucks and 18 firefighters responded to fight the flames, putting out the fire at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday. Portland Police Department and Jay County Sheriff’s Office also arrived to the scene, and the fire department requested assistance from Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Police located the suspect a few miles away from the scene at 1:22 a.m., according to a Facebook post from Portland Fire Department, and he allegedly confessed to the crime. As of Wednesday morning, no arrest had been made.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the incident, the post says, and he was treated and released back into service on scene.

According to data from Beacon, the county’s Geographic Information System website, the property is owned by Christy L. Hummer.

Damage is estimated between $80,000 and $100,000, according to the fire department. The case is under investigation.