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3 youth arrested in park fire
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Times photo: Brenda Steurer Monroe firefighters break down drywall Thursday after putting out a fire in the restroom at Lincoln Park on the south side of Monroe.
MONROE - Three juveniles were arrested on charges surrounding a fire in the restroom at Lincoln Park at 16th Avenue and 20th Street around 5:45 p.m. Thursday, May 8.

One 14-year-old male was arrested for arson. Another 14- year-old male and a 10-year-old male were arrested for being a party to the crime of arson and for obstructing an office. The juveniles were arrested near 21st Street and 14th Avenue.

Witnesses identified three possible suspects fleeing the park and directed police in the direction they went. Police apprehended them about three blocks from the fire.

The juveniles were released pending a court appearance.

According to Fire Chief Rausch, a citizen reported the fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters were able to see heavy smoke and flames from the restroom located at the southeast corner of the park.

According to Rausch, investigation showed a towel dispenser had been lit on fire. The fire spread to an interior wall and roof of the building.

Monroe Police officers knocked down the flames with the use of dry chemical extinguishers.

Five fire units responded to the fire call and finished extinguishing the fire. Firemen conducted an inspection for sparks and ventilated the building.

Damages to the building are about $5,000.

Responding to a Full First Alarm, for a structure fire, the Monroe Fire Department costs for the incident are more than $750, for four trucks and 29 personnel.

This is the third incident of arson to this particular building in the past 12 months.

The Monroe Fire Department and the Monroe Police Department are asking for people with information about this or previous incidents to contact them. The Monroe Fire Department phone number is 329-2575.