Edward Schinzing, Portland’s shirtless arson suspect, done in by giant back tattoo of his last name

Portland arson suspect Edward Thomas Schinzing’s decision to tattoo his last name across his back in giant letters led authorities right to him.

The 32-year-old faces up to two decades behind bars if he is found guilty of federal arson charges related a May 29 attack on the city’s Justice Center.

The building also serves as the Portland Police Bureau headquarters.

“According to court documents, Schinzing was marching with a group of protestors when he arrived at the front of the Justice Center shortly before 11:00 p.m. on May 29, 2020,” the Department of Justice said in a statement released Tuesday. “A few minutes later, several people broke windows near the northwest corner of the Justice Center where the Corrections Records Office is located. They subsequently entered the secured office through the broken windows. … Schinzing was identified by a comparison with a jail booking photo and a distinctive tattoo of his last name across his upper back.”

Surveillance footage shows the suspect shirtless during one visit and fully clothed with the same orange cap later that evening.

Schinzing, who has seven prior misdemeanor and two felony convictions, was sentenced to five years probation on April 16 for third-degree assault and attempted fourth-degree assault. 

“He had punched his girlfriend in the face with a closed fist in front of her 8-year-old son in a Northeast Portland apartment in late February,” the Oregonian reported Tuesday.

Warning: Strong language.