SW Portland vehicle arson investigation leads to arrest after family says flames nearly reached home

Incident reported on Southwest Luradel Street

A Southwest Portland family is recovering after a vehicle fire that investigators have determined was intentionally set, leading to an arrest and multiple felony charges. The fire occurred near Southwest Luradel Street, where flames engulfed a parked car and were captured on camera. The family said the fire came close to spreading to their home.

The vehicle was destroyed despite a response by Portland Fire & Rescue, and the incident left the family shaken and concerned about the possibility of retaliation. No injuries were reported in connection with the fire.

Family describes threats before the fire

Bonita Richardson, whose car was burned, said the incident followed alleged threats directed at her son. She described initially not treating the threats as credible, but later watched as the vehicle was set ablaze and the flames rose near the residence.

“I didn’t take it seriously because kids have arguments all the time,” Richardson said, describing the warnings her son received before the fire.

Richardson said the family has been coping with the emotional impact of the incident, describing fear and uncertainty as the investigation continues.

Arrest and charges

Portland Police Bureau investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and arrested a suspect identified as 21-year-old Miles LaChance-McClean. Police said the suspect was booked on multiple charges, including first-degree arson, second-degree arson, possession of a destructive device, criminal mischief and reckless burning.

The case remains open. Police have not released additional details about the investigative steps used to identify the suspect or whether investigators believe additional incidents are connected.

What the charges generally indicate

The combination of arson and reckless-burning allegations indicates investigators believe the fire involved intentional conduct and created significant risk of damage beyond the vehicle itself. The destructive-device allegation signals that investigators believe an illegal incendiary or explosive item was involved, a factor that can significantly elevate both the seriousness of the case and the potential criminal exposure if prosecutors proceed on that count.

• Location: near Southwest Luradel Street in Southwest Portland
• Reported damage: vehicle destroyed; fire reported to have come close to a home
• Status: suspect arrested; investigation ongoing

Community impact and next steps

Vehicle arsons can escalate quickly when they occur close to homes and other vehicles, and investigators typically look for surveillance footage, witness statements and forensic indicators that may clarify how the fire was started and whether anyone else was involved. Richardson has begun raising funds to replace the family’s car as the criminal case moves forward through the court process.