LEBANON - Lebanon police made an arrest this morning in connection with the Sept. 10 arson fire at the Pregnancy Alternatives Center in downtown Lebanon.
David Allen Rios, 29, was charged with first-degree arson, two counts of second-degree burglary, theft and hindering prosecution.
Police say the motive for the fire is still unknown and the investigation continues with a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible. Due to the ongoing investigation, police have not made public how the suspect is alleged to be connected to the fire.
Rios was arrested while already in custody on other charges. He has been lodged without bail at the Linn County Jail since Nov. 5, when he was picked up for parole and probabtion sanctions.
Court records show both Lebanon and Albany addresses for Rios during the last five years. Sgt. Kevin Martinez of the Lebanon police said Rios had recently been living a transient lifestyle in the Lebanon area without a home of record.
The fire destroyed most of the building that housed the Pregancy Alternatives Center at 136 W. Vine St.
The center, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to helping women through unplanned pregancies, provides free clothing, toys, medical check-ups and other services to young mothers. It also encourages women not to have abortions.
The center had operated at that location for 19 years and served around 15,000 women, said Executive Director Debbie Tracy. The center operates entirely on donated funds and volunteer workers.
The burned building is being rebuilt, and the center has re-opened at a temporary location in the same block, at 193 W. Vine St.
Posted in Local on Friday, November 21, 2008 12:00 am Updated: 12:04 am.
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