Salem man charged with arson in fires at city hall

Statesman Journal
Scott David Henry

A Salem man has been charged with arson in relation to several fires at Salem City Hall on Dec. 26.

Salem police said Scott David Henry, 37, has been charged with second-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree theft. Scott already is in Polk County jail on unrelated charges.

Police say several fires were set at city hall early Dec. 26: in the basement of the parking structure, adjacent to offices on the second level, and near Peace Plaza. In addition, several fire extinguishers were stolen and their contents sprayed on outside office doors.

Damage was estimated at $5,000 to an industrial service cable belonging to Howard S. Wright Construction, a company working on library renovations.