Anchorage police have arrested a 14-year-old in connection with a playground fire at an Eagle River Elementary school in early August.
The teen was charged on Friday with felony third-degree Criminal Mischief for intentionally setting fire to the rubber mulch on the Alpenglow Elementary School playground in the early morning hours of Aug. 1, according to a statement from police. Police say the juvenile attempted to put it out but the fire was reignited roughly six hours later because of “the heat of the rising sun and increased winds.”
The teen was identified as a suspect through the use of the school’s surveillance system and “other sources,” police said.
Anchorage School District Superintendent Ed Graff says the cost of replacing the equipment may be $40,000 to $60,000. Restitution for damages will be sought, according to Graff.
