Medford Police Arrest Suspect in Series of Early-Morning Arson Fires
Multiple fires were reported across North Medford before officers located and arrested a 45-year-old suspect.
Medford, Ore. — Medford Police arrested a woman Wednesday morning who investigators believe is responsible for a series of arson fires reported across North Medford.
According to MPD, officers first responded around 4 a.m. to a fire at the Jack in the Box near North Pacific Highway and Table Rock Road. The fire was quickly extinguished and caused minimal damage.
At approximately 6 a.m., officers were dispatched to a second fire on Lynn Road near North Pacific Highway, where three vehicles were found fully engulfed. Evidence at the scene was consistent with arson, police said.
A drone deployed to survey the surrounding area located an additional active fire at Wild River Brewing on North Pacific Highway. As officers responded, yet another fire was reported near a residence on Berrydale Road.
While checking the area, officers contacted Tina Marie Fonseca, 45, who was seen leaving the vicinity of the most recent fire. Police say she fled on foot but was taken into custody after a brief pursuit.
Fonseca was booked into the Jackson County Jail on five counts of Arson in the First Degree and six counts of Reckless Burning.
Medford Police thanked the Medford Fire Department for its rapid response and investigative support.
