×

Teen could face more charges

WARREN TOWNSHIP – A 15-year-old male arrested on an aggravated arson charge Sunday could face additional charges in connection with at least a dozen area fires, officials said.

Police Lt. Don Bishop said on Friday that authorities believe the teen, whose name has not been released, may have been involved in several fires – including at least 10 in the township and another two in Warren city.

Bishop said that officers presented the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office with the results of an investigation into the matter this week.

“We expect there to be several charges related to these arsons,” Bishop said, noting police believe the teen was involved in arsons dating back at least eight months.

Bishop said the county prosecutor’s office has a lot of information, including evidence and records, to sort through.

The teen was arrested Sunday following a fire at 655 Bane St. Bishop said he was one of two young people who went into the house and started a small fire. Once the fire started, the youths threw a burning object out of the window to the side of the house. A fire started at the side of house, burning the siding of the home.

There were three people in the house at the time of the fire, Bishop said. No injuries were reported.

When questioned about the fire, the two males initially told police they saw someone drive up to the house in a black vehicle and start the fire but later admitted there was no car, police said.

The teen in question was taken to Trumbull County’s Juvenile Justice Center. Bishop said he could not elaborate on the matter because it remains an open investigation. He did not say whether the other youth involved in Sunday’s fire will be, or already has been, charged in connection with any of the fires.

Attempts on Friday by a Tribune Chronicle reporter to reach the assistant prosecutor who handles juvenile cases for the county were not successful.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today