Man also charged with attacking two synagogues
Pictures captured from surveillance cameras shows the person who used accelerant to start a fire last Tuesday, May 3 at the Muslim Community Center of Portland, located at 5325 N Vancouver Ave. Police on Saturday, identified the man as Michael E. Bivins, 34, of Portland and arrested him in the case; and also charging him with recent attacks at two synagogues in Portland.
Portland police have arrested a man accused of using an accelerant to start a fire last week at the Muslim Community Center of Portland, also charging him with recent acts of arson and vandalism at two synagogues in the city.
Michael E. Bivins, 34, of Portland was booked Saturday into the Multnomah County Detention Center for the May 3 arson at the Muslim Community Center, located at 5325 N. Vancouver Ave. He also faces charges for acts of criminal mischief on April 30 at Congregation Shir Takvage, 2420 N.E. Sandy Blvd.; and for May 2 and May 4 vandalism at Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 N.W. Flanders.
Fortunately, there was only minor damage in each of the cases and no injuries.
Police said Bivins was arrested with the assistance of the Beaverton Police Department after he visited a television news station where he demanded to speak to a reporter.
Bivins attended Benson High School as a student has worked as a free lance photographer and journalist in Portland over the past few years. He was known for taking photos during protests and selling his work to media companies.