Police responded to two arson cases, one today and one yesterday. The two cases appear unrelated.
Case 1: At 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, Eugene Police responded with Eugene Springfield Fire to Kennedy Middle School, 2200 Bailey Hill Road after reports of a fire. The investigation found that three juveniles ranging in age from 14 to 16, climbed over a secured gate and onto the roof of Kennedy Middle school where they lit pine needles on fire. The fire began to get out of control and the youths are reported to have tried to put the fire out by stomping and pushing the burning pine needles off the side of the building. However, the burning material fell on the top of other pine needles on the ground and caught on fire. Part of a tree and the side of the building were subsequently burned. All three boys were cited in lieu of custody and released to their parents on charges of Arson in the First Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.
Case 2: At 12:13 today, police were called by administrators from Meadowview Middle School, 1855 Legacy Street. They reported a 14-year-old had lit a trash can on fire in the bathroom and then refused to cooperate with attempts to provide school sanctions. As police arrived, the teen began to flee on foot. Officers kept him in their sight for several blocks and then took him into custody at Enchantment and Edna. He was charged with Arson in the First Degree.
No names or biographical information will be available regarding the suspects in these cases, as they are juveniles. ###