Salem Man Convicted in Arson Killing Three Cats

A Polk County jury found 55-year-old Calvin Jerome Tucker III guilty of arson, animal abuse and reckless endangerment for intentionally setting a gasoline-fueled fire at a West Salem apartment complex in October 2025. Prosecutors said the fire was retaliation after a resident ended a long-term relationship with Tucker. Three apartments were occupied by families, and one family was trapped upstairs; bystanders helped residents escape. Three of five cats in the fourth apartment died, and the fire displaced residents and damaged the building. Tucker is scheduled to be sentenced in December.