Cost to replace torched Portland police vehicles estimated at $455K

Portland police announced they were investigating the incident as arson on May 2.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Repairing and replacing the Portland police vehicles that were set on fire amid citywide protests and vandalism could have a price tag of more than $455,000.

Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner told KOIN 6 that the cost to replace the vehicles that were totaled is estimated at $436,000, while the cost to fix the salvaged cars is projected at $19,332.66.

As first reported by the Oregonian/OregonLive, the city may not be able to replace the vehicles for another two years.

PPB’s spokesperson explained the agency can only submit vehicle orders at certain points of the year, and it has already placed its order for 2025 — meaning the damaged vehicles will likely be addressed in the 2026 order.

“Risk management is still working on the claim and therefore we do not yet know the total claim amount the city will submit to its insurer or that the insurer will pay,” Benner said.

At least 15 vehicles were torched at the city police training facility on Northeast Airport Way around 2 a.m. on Thursday, May 2. Portland Fire & Rescue and PPB North Precinct officers responded to the scene, with crews working to extinguish the fires.

The training complex was left undamaged and there were no reported injuries. Just a few hours later, officials announced the incident was being investigated as arson.

In the days leading up to the incident, crowds gathered at the South Park Blocks on Portland State University’s campus to protest for a ceasefire in Gaza. Some demonstrators occupied the Millar Library, which has since closed. PSU leaders estimated repairing the library could cost more than $1 million.

However, PPB Chief Bob Day said there was no known connection between the PSU protests and the damaged police vehicles.