3 minors accused of intentionally setting bus on fire and damaging 4 other cars in Harford County
Three minors allegedly set a small bus on fire intentionally, which spread and damaged four other vehicles in Harford County, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.
Officials said a bus that was parked behind a shopping center on Pulaski Highway, near an automotive shop, in Edgewood, was set on fire around 8 a.m. on Sunday.
A 14-year-old and a 13-year-old are facing charges related to arson and malicious burning. Charges against a 12-year-old are pending.
Officials said the fire caused $20,000 in damage.
"This is certainly alarming to us. It should be alarming to everyone in the community," Master Deputy Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire said. "Something to this degree where you go out on a Sunday morning at 8 o'clock and you find just a random vehicle that's sitting, it doesn't matter if it's in a back parking lot, it's certainly alarming to us."
The minors were released to their parents, and the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) will determine how to move forward.
Fire investigation in Harford County
Approximately 20 firefighters from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and APG Fire Department took about 20 minutes to control the fire.
Firefighters said the fire originated within the interior passenger compartment of the small bus, which was sparked by minors who intentionally ignited materials inside the vehicle. The fire spread and damaged four nearby vehicles.
Fire officials said the Harford County Sheriff's Office observed a heavy column of black smoke coming from the reported location and later located one of the minors running from the area, which led to the identification and arrests.
No injuries were reported.
"Because these individuals were already known to our deputies through numerous contacts with law enforcement, we were able to quickly coordinate with investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and assist in identifying the individuals involved," the Harford County Sheriff's Office stated.
Community reacts to arson by teens
People in the community told CBS News Baltimore that the teens need to be held responsible for their actions.
"We can't tolerate that stuff. There has to be something done to somebody who violates the law, regardless of what their age is," Edgewood resident Earl Fellin said. "You try to fit the punishment for the person and the job. I would think part of this has a financial aspect to it, and that should fall on them and their family because that's who is responsible for this."
Master Deputy Alkire pleaded to parents to keep a watchful eye on their children, so that incidents like this don't happen.
"Make sure you know where your kids are," Alkire said. "We hear this time and time again. Make sure you know where your kids are, where they're at, and what they're doing. Be responsible parents."
