Fire hits historic Huntington; arson suspect arrested
HUNTINGTON, Ore. (AP) – Authorities say a man has been arrested on investigation of arson after historic buildings in the eastern Oregon town of Huntington were destroyed.
KBOI-TV reports the Baker County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to a disturbance at about 10:45 p.m. Thursday after someone told police that 21-year-old Raynmon Garcia threatened to burn the bar down.
The sheriff’s office says deputies spoke with Garcia and determined there was no reason to detain him.
About an hour later, the sheriff’s office says the tavern, Howell’s Cafe and the Streamliner Lounge were fully engulfed.
Authorities say Garcia was found watching the fire and was arrested. It wasn’t known if Garcia has a lawyer. The fire remains under investigation.
Howell’s and the Streamliner Lounge were in the Oregon Commercial Company Building, which was constructed in 1890. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
