Youth Charged with Arson at Pell School

NEWPORT, RI – Police on Friday charged a 15-year-old Newport teen with arson after an incident reported Oct. 17 outside the Pell Elementary School.

According to the arrest log, the youngster was charged with fifth-degree arson, which reflects the fact no one was hurt and there was no property damage, Sgt. Corey Huck said.

According to Sgt. Huck, the charges were pressed Friday after juvenile detectives had identified a suspect, who was then questioned.

The police said the youngster was passing by the school and tossed matches in an outside trash barrel. Authorities were called for a smoke investigation.