Minor Charged With Arson April 30

WARWICK, RI — Warwick Police responded to a report of a group of juveniles lighting fires in the street near the end of the Dickens Street cul de sac April 21 at 10:25 a.m., charging one minor with seventh-degree arson April 30.

According to Officer Brian Holleran’s report, a resident in the neighborhood called to report three juveniles were pouring a liquid on the street and then lighting it on fire. The youths were clad in black, orange and denim, respectively, the caller reported. The one in black was the one lighting the fires, she said.

When confronted about their actions the trio responded with a “carefree and reckless” attitude, with one of them rolling on the ground next to the fire. When told the police had been called, and upon hearing sirens, the trio ran into a nearby house, the caller said, according to Holleran’s report.

Holleran spoke with a family member of the juveniles, who contacted their mother via phone. The mother instructed the boys to return to the site and take responsibility for their actions. The juvenile who lit the fires admitted to doing so, according to the report.

Holleran noted a black mark on the street where the fire had been burning. He consulted the Juvenile Services Unit. The youth was subsequently charged with seventh-degree arson on April 30.