Teenage Male Charged Overnight With Arson

An 18-year-old male who was taken into custody for being intoxicated early this morning was also charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a roadside sign.

Shayne Henderson, who is currently listed as homeless, was intoxicated, walking in the area of Front Street on Daniel Webster Highway around 1:38 a.m. Oct. 2, Merrimack Police said in a press release.

A few minutes before, a concerned motorist had stopped into the police station lobby and reported a political sign was on fire near the lobby.

While checking the area, police say they found a burned corrugated plastic sign for the Paper Retriever Recycling Company.

A short way up the road, police say they came upon Henderson. Due to his age, police placed Henderson in custody for being a minor in possession of alcohol, internally. While being handcuffed, the officer noticed melted plastic on his jacket that they say was consistent with the burned sign.

Henderson was also charged with arson. He refused bail and was transported to the Hillsborough County House of Correction to await arraignment in Merrimack's district court Tuesday morning.