Man Accused of Intentionally Setting Jeep on Fire along I-84 near The Dalles
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 3, 2026 — A 33-year-old man was arrested Friday night after Oregon State Police said he intentionally set his vehicle on fire along Interstate 84 east of The Dalles, igniting a roadside fire that threatened nearby brush and railroad property.
According to Oregon State Police, troopers responded at about 10:03 p.m. July 31 to a report of a 2002 silver Jeep on fire in the eastbound lanes near milepost 98 in Wasco County. The burning vehicle was blocking a lane of travel while the fire spread into roadside brush, down the interstate embankment and toward the railroad.
Troopers said they located a man running through the flames and into the roadway in front of passing traffic. Investigators later determined the man had intentionally set the Jeep on fire.
Police said the suspect failed to comply with commands from the first responding law enforcement officer and was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect, identified by Oregon State Police as Ronald James Metcalfe, 33, was lodged at the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility.
Metcalfe was charged with second-degree arson, second-degree disorderly conduct and reckless burning.
The Jeep was towed by River's Edge Towing because it posed a traffic hazard.
The Sherman County Sheriff's Office and Wasco County Sheriff's Office assisted Oregon State Police at the scene.
Support Local News!
Available for Everyone; Funded by Readers.
