MONROE - Parents might be the best deterrent against any future fires in the Lincoln Park restroom, Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said.
Three juveniles were arrested on charges surrounding a fire in the restroom at around 5:45 p.m. Thursday at Lincoln Park at 16th Avenue and 20th Street.
One 14-year-old boy was arrested for arson. Another 14- year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy were arrested for being a party to the crime of arson and for obstructing an officer. The boys were arrested near 21st Street and 14th Avenue.
Witnesses identified three people fleeing the park and directed police in the direction they went. Police apprehended the boys about three blocks from the fire.
The juveniles were released pending a court appearance.
Kelley said parents need to remember they ultimately are responsible for paying damages if the juveniles can't. Most juveniles don't have the money to pay for damages, so their parents will have to pay for them, Kelley said.
"When word gets around town that little Jimmy's parents have to pay for damages it might make little Bill's parents take notice," Kelley said.
Damages to the restroom were estimated at about $5,000.
Monroe Fire Chief Daryl Rausch said 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.
Rausch said this is the fifth incident of arson at the restroom. There were two in May 2006, one in May 2007 and one in August 2007.
The Monroe Fire Department (329-2575) and the Monroe Police Department (329-2400) are asking for people with information about this or previous incidents to contact them.
Three juveniles were arrested on charges surrounding a fire in the restroom at around 5:45 p.m. Thursday at Lincoln Park at 16th Avenue and 20th Street.
One 14-year-old boy was arrested for arson. Another 14- year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy were arrested for being a party to the crime of arson and for obstructing an officer. The boys were arrested near 21st Street and 14th Avenue.
Witnesses identified three people fleeing the park and directed police in the direction they went. Police apprehended the boys about three blocks from the fire.
The juveniles were released pending a court appearance.
Kelley said parents need to remember they ultimately are responsible for paying damages if the juveniles can't. Most juveniles don't have the money to pay for damages, so their parents will have to pay for them, Kelley said.
"When word gets around town that little Jimmy's parents have to pay for damages it might make little Bill's parents take notice," Kelley said.
Damages to the restroom were estimated at about $5,000.
Monroe Fire Chief Daryl Rausch said 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.
Rausch said this is the fifth incident of arson at the restroom. There were two in May 2006, one in May 2007 and one in August 2007.
The Monroe Fire Department (329-2575) and the Monroe Police Department (329-2400) are asking for people with information about this or previous incidents to contact them.