Louisiana Student Charged with Arson after Starting Fire in Auditorium
Posted on Dec 12, 2008 10:05am PST
In Vivian, Louisiana, a student from Vivian Elementary and Middle Magnet School is now facing charges for
arson after she allegedly set fire to the inside of the school on Thursday.
Butch Browning, the state's Fire Marshal, reported that the fire began at around 10:20 AM in the school's auditorium. Many students and staff members report that they smelled smoke, but were unsure where the smell was coming from.
Thankfully, some staff members were able to locate the fire in the auditorium and sounded the fire alarms. Both students and staff members then evacuated the building as the fire department arrived. The school has approximately 800 students and staff members. No one was injured.
Browning informed people that the student brought a lighter to school and set fires in the front and the back of the auditorium. School authorities were able to find the student by going through absentee lists and also by reviewing evidence found in the auditorium. Because the student is a minor, the name, grade or age of the student will not be released. However, the student will be charged with aggravated arson.
The school disclosed that the only the stage curtains and fabric wall coverings in the back of the auditorium were destroyed.
If you have been charged with
arson, click here to find a
knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
