07-03-2009, 08:54 PM
Teen Charged With Arson
Updated: Friday, 03 Jul 2009, 4:52 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 03 Jul 2009, 4:52 AM CDT
Waukegan, Illinois - Police arrested a juvenile in connection with a fire that damaged a north suburban Waukegan classroom last week.
The 14-year-old student, whose name was not disclosed, has been charged with aggravated arson following the June 26 fire at the Jack Benny Middle School at 1401 Montesano Ave. The boy is suspected of starting the blaze in a first-floor classroom on the east end of the building. Previously, supervisors at a camp being held at the school accused him of stealing two cans of soda, Waukegan police Lt. Ed Fitzgerald said.
The teen was working at the camp, and after he was accused of the soda theft, he asked his supervisors for permission to use the washroom, which was located near the classroom that was burned. Moments after he returned, the school's fire alarms sounded, Fitzgerald said. All summer camp participants exited without injury.
Firefighters found smoke coming from the building, and a small blaze in one of the classrooms. It is believed that the fire was started by stacking books and papers in a corner of the classroom, said city Fire Marshal Steve Lenzi.
The fire caused about $20,000 damage. Though it was contained to one classroom, other rooms sustained smoke damage, Lenzi said.
The suspect was released to his parents.
Updated: Friday, 03 Jul 2009, 4:52 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 03 Jul 2009, 4:52 AM CDT
Waukegan, Illinois - Police arrested a juvenile in connection with a fire that damaged a north suburban Waukegan classroom last week.
The 14-year-old student, whose name was not disclosed, has been charged with aggravated arson following the June 26 fire at the Jack Benny Middle School at 1401 Montesano Ave. The boy is suspected of starting the blaze in a first-floor classroom on the east end of the building. Previously, supervisors at a camp being held at the school accused him of stealing two cans of soda, Waukegan police Lt. Ed Fitzgerald said.
The teen was working at the camp, and after he was accused of the soda theft, he asked his supervisors for permission to use the washroom, which was located near the classroom that was burned. Moments after he returned, the school's fire alarms sounded, Fitzgerald said. All summer camp participants exited without injury.
Firefighters found smoke coming from the building, and a small blaze in one of the classrooms. It is believed that the fire was started by stacking books and papers in a corner of the classroom, said city Fire Marshal Steve Lenzi.
The fire caused about $20,000 damage. Though it was contained to one classroom, other rooms sustained smoke damage, Lenzi said.
The suspect was released to his parents.