4 Juveniles Charged in Aberdeen Playground Arson

ABERDEEN, MD — Four juveniles have been charged in connection with the playground fire at Victory Park, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The youths — ages 9, 10, 13 and 14 years old — were charged with first-degree malicious burning and malicious destruction of property in connection with the Aug. 18 fire. They were released to the custody of their parents pending actions by the Harford County Department of Juvenile Services, the fire marshal reported on Thursday.

A neighbor reported the playground was ablaze on Victory Street at Chesapeake Court on Aug. 18, and when approximately 10 Aberdeen firefighters responded, they found the area engulfed in flames. Within 10 minutes, they had brought the fire under control.

A witness reportedly saw several juveniles in the area just before the fire.

Investigators determined the blaze was intentionally set and had originated in the sliding board assembly of the playground equipment. Upon further investigation, the fire marshal said the four juveniles were identified as the suspects.

The fire caused $120,000 in damage to the playground equipment and rubberized mulch, officials reported.

In response to the arson, the Aberdeen Police Department said that the city has been "inundated" with requests by citizens wanting to donate money to fix the playground. Those who would like to contribute may send donations to the City of Aberdeen, 60 N. Parke St., Aberdeen, MD 21001; people should earmark their contributions as donations for the Victory Park Playground Restoration Effort.

Related: Playground Arson Burns Up $100K in City-Owned Equipment

Photo Credit: Aberdeen Police Department.