Teen Charged in Clearwater Park Fire Case

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The Clearwater Police Department has made an arrest in Sunday’s fire at Forest Run Park that required assistance from several north Pinellas fire departments to get under control.

Police announced the arrest of a 14-year-old middle school student Wednesday afternoon. The boy’s name is not being released due to his age.

The eighth-grader was taken into custody after an interview during which he told a detective he was playing around with a spray can and lighter, an email to media stated. The boy said he was trying to burn leaves and bugs, but things got out of control.

He has been charged with intentional or reckless burning of lands, police reported. An arson charge wasn’t levied because a structure or tangible property must be destroyed for that charge to apply, the email explained. The boy was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center for booking.

“Firefighters from Clearwater Fire & Rescue were joined by other agencies in fighting the blaze for multiple hours Sunday afternoon and evening,” police noted in the email. “Crews from Largo, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor and Oldsmar assisted in the effort.”

See Also:

• Cops: Fires May Have Been Intentionally Set