The Daviess County Sheriff Office charged a 14-year-old male juvenile with four counts of first-degree arson Thursday.
DCSO connected the teen to a string of residential arsons in mid-August in the 3900 block of Highway 764, as well as another fire at Daviess County High School on Thursday.
School Resource Officer Deputy Paul Mattingly became aware that a fire had been purposely set in a boy’s bathroom at the school Thursday. His investigation led to him charging that the 14-year-old with one count of first-degree arson.
Further investigation by members of the Criminal Investigation Division led to the other three charges. The juvenile male was released to his parents, pending his appearance in Daviess County Juvenile Court.
Daviess County Public Schools released a statement Friday morning on the arson incident at DCHS, stating “the students, staff, and the schools were never in danger.”
Director of Student Services Damon Fleming said the incident involved a piece of burnt paper, which was found in a boys‘ restroom.
“There were no injuries to anyone nor any property damage to Daviess County High School as a result of the burnt piece of paper,” he said. “There was never an active fire scene at Daviess County High School and no fire department response was necessary for the burnt piece of paper.”
