By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,745)

Aaron Hornbeck-Fielder, 18, of Portland was arrested yesterday afternoon, Monday, March 31st,  by Portland Police detectives and charged with Arson, a Class A crime.  He was taken into custody at Police Headquarters at 3:10 pm.

Fielder is charged with starting a fire in a dumpster in the rear of 121 Center Street on Sunday, March 23rd.  His is the second suspect charged in a series of arson fires that occurred March 22nd and 23rd in Portland.  The fires were on Center Street, Forest Avenue, Center Street, Danforth Street and Congress Street.  The Portland Police and Fire Departments continue to investigate.  We believe all the fires are connected and additional charges are possible.

Late last month, the first arson suspect was arrested in connection with the fire behind Portland Museum of Art.  His name is Robert Johnson, 19.

The investigation is continuing and anyone that witnessed suspicious activity around dumpsters or trash cans on the listed streets and dates is asked to call the Police Department at 874-8533.

editor’s note:  MHN.com recently experienced some “technical” difficulties that prevented material from being posted on-line.  However, that situation has been corrected mhn.com is pleased to announce and postings have started-up with this one!