Arson at Dollar Store: Teen Charged & Employee Hospitalized

MIDDLETOWN, RI — A 15-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree arson. He allegedly set a fire Thursday in the Dollar Tree Store, 880 West Main Road. A store employee suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital. She was found passed out on the sidewalk in front of the store when firefighters arrived.

According to Fire Marshal Robert J. McCall, who was incident commander, smoke was pouring from the building when the fire department responded at 12:56 p.m. report. A second alarm was struck for additional firefighters and a rescue for the woman. Middletown firefighters put out the fire and treated the injured woman until the rescue arrived from Portsmouth. She was reported in fair condition when she was taken to the hospital.

According to witnesses, the boy set a fire in the back of the store. Middletown police assisted with the investigation, and "it was found that a male had started the fire in the rear of the building and attempted another fire closer to the front of the store."

Ultimately, the boy was identified and charged. His name is not being released due to his age.

Two engines, one ladder truck, one rescue, 10 firefighters, and three Middletown Fire Department command staff responded. Portsmouth, Newport and the Navy provided mutual aid and three engines and one rescue.

The police and fire departments ask anyone with information to contact them. The fire remains under investigation by the Middletown Fire Marshal's Office, Middletown Police and RI State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Image via Shutterstock