Crime & Safety

Playground Fire: Accused Arsonist Arrested

Alameda Police detectives pieced together the case and announced their arrest Tuesday evening.

Firefighters battled an intense playground fire at an Alameda Park on July 13, 2019
Firefighters battled an intense playground fire at an Alameda Park on July 13, 2019 (Alameda Fire Dept.)

ALAMEDA, CA — Alameda Police announced Tuesday evening that they have arrested a juvenile in connection with an arson fire that destroyed the beloved play structure at Woodstock Park on July 13.

The name and age of the accused arsonist has not been released. Police have only revealed that the suspect is a boy.

According to police, "detectives searched for and collected evidence for this crime, including surveillance footage. They conducted numerous interviews of possible witnesses and persons of interest before developing probable cause to make their arrest today. The investigators are not seeking any additional suspects in this case."

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The detectives were assisted by a School Resource Officer.

The replacement cost for the play structure is estimated at over $200,000. An online fundraiser through Go Fund Me received more than $23,000 in donations, exceeding the goal of $20,000.

Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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