Cedar Hills Standoff: Man Arrested After Attempting To Set Duplex On Fire, Deputies Say

CEDAR HILLS, OR — Following a six-hour standoff, Washington County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man who attempted to set fire to his own duplex in Cedar Hills, police said Friday.

Roy Eugene Merritt, 47, was taken to the Washington County Jail on charges of arson and recklessly endangering, police said. His bail is set at $25,000.

Around 9 p.m. July 20, deputies responded to reports of a man trying to set fire to his duplex in the 12900-block of Southwest Gentry Lane, police said. Seeing smoke coming from the home, officers quickly evacuated nearby residents, police said.

Washington County Sheriff's Dep. Jeff Talbot told Patch Friday that Merritt's wife was who called police, telling them Merritt was drunk and trying to ignite nail polish remover he'd splashed about the house. At no time did officers see flames, however, Talbot confirmed.

Nevertheless, taking the situation seriously, Talbot said, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews were brought in to help if needed.

As the situation devolved into a standoff with deputies, negotiators spoke with Merritt for several hours by phone, police said.

Around 3 a.m., deputies entered the home and took Merritt into custody, police said, noting that more than one burn pile was found inside.

No injuries were reported.

Photo Courtesy: Washington County Sheriff's Office