Salem Man Convicted of Arson in Apartment Fire
Calvin Jerome Tucker III received guilty verdicts on 14 counts following a fire that displaced 13 residents and killed three cats.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
A Polk County jury convicted Calvin Jerome Tucker III on Tuesday, returning guilty verdicts on 14 charges connected to a fire at a Salem apartment complex.
The verdict included three counts of first-degree arson, three counts of first-degree animal abuse, and eight counts of reckless endangering. The jury reached its decision after approximately two hours of deliberation during a three-day trial.
Investigators determined that Tucker started the blaze intentionally using gasoline. The fire began shortly after 10 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2025, at a two-story, four-unit building on Stoneway Drive in northwest Salem. Flames quickly engulfed the roof and stairwell, trapping residents inside.
The investigation linked the arson to a personal dispute. Tucker reportedly set the fire in retaliation after an occupant ended a long-term relationship with him. Three families lived in the complex at the time of the incident. Bystanders assisted in rescuing a family trapped on the second floor while firefighters worked to contain the flames.
The fire displaced six adults and seven children. Officials estimated the damage at approximately $100,000. Five cats lived in the fourth unit of the building. Firefighters rescued two of the animals, but the other three died in the fire. Tucker was identified as a person of interest and subsequently arrested.
The 55-year-old defendant is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing next month. The Polk County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the verdicts issued on Tuesday.
