2 Juveniles Charged In Summer Arson Fires At Newtown Park

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Two juveniles are facing charges for a series of arson fires that happened last summer at Roberts Ridge Park.

During his monthly report to the township supervisors, Chief John Hearn reported that the juveniles have been charged with criminal mischief in connection with the incident.

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Last summer, fire and police officials launched an investigation following multiple fires at the Frost Lane park that damaged play equipment, charred a tree, and damaged a sign.

Hearn reported that during the month of April, police documented 2,450 calls and logged more than 22,000 miles on its patrol fleet.

Police made 15 arrests and clearances, including four simple assaults, two warrants, one harassment, two retail thefts and two DUI-related arrests.

According to Hearn, the detective division opened eight new investigations with one crime scene processed. They included four thefts - two retail thefts, one for a stolen wallet and a stolen dirt bike; three ChildLine investigations; and a death investigation, which was not suspicious.

Police also conducted two truck enforcement details in April resulting in 24 inspections, 7 citations, 3 warnings, 8 vehicles and 4 drivers placed out of service and one vehicle was towed.

In other police news, Hearn reported a successful drug take back day with the department collecting 153 pounds of narcotics and 46 pounds of sharpies. Public Service

Under the heading of public service, Hearn reminded residents who are selling items on Facebook or other marketplace sites that an exchange site is available at the end of the police station parking lot.

“The site is clearly identified, under video surveillance with heavy police presence. It’s much safer and it’s under video,” he said.

The chief also recommended getting identification before giving any access to vehicles or dirt bikes for test drives. A dirt bike was stolen in April after the owner gave a prospective buyer permission to test drive the bike. The prospective buyer never returned, the chief said.