Three teenagers have been arrested in the fire that scorched and ruined Bethlehem Elementary School’s playground.
The fire department was called at about 1:15 a.m. on Oct. 3 to the elementary school off NC 127. When it arrived, the wooden playground equipment behind the school was on fire, and much of the rubber mulch at the base of the equipment was also charred. The fire was extinguished, but none of the equipment was salvageable.
On Wednesday, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jackson Southard, Desmond Lackey and Steven Xiong, all 17, and charged them each with one count of willfully or negligently setting fire to woods and fields.
Sheriff Chris Bowman said investigators found a hoodie or a sweatshirt at the playground. The clothing had been found by the trio, who set fire to it. They then tried to put the fire out by stomping on it, then using the mulch from the playground.
They left the school at about 10 or 11 p.m., thinking the fire had been extinguished, Bowman said.
“Investigators found independent witnesses who stated they observed the three individuals with some object on fire,” said Tod Jones, chief deputy with the sheriff’s office. “The witnesses observed the three individuals leave the school. The witnesses went to the area around the playground and did not observe any fire or anything damaged at that time.”
The fire marshal’s office thinks the fire was smoldering and rekindled later that night. It was spotted by a passing driver, who called 911.
Bethlehem Elementary School Principal Chad Maynor said he was glad to know the cause of the fire.
“I’m relieved to find the fire was accidentally set,” he said.
Alexander County Schools is still working with its insurance company, and has not replaced the equipment yet, Maynor said. However, the system will still have to pay a deductible for new equipment.
The day of the fire, a letter went home to every parent, explaining what happened. Maynor said he was met with overwhelming support from the community.
“Kids and parents have come time and again with willingness to help with anything, whether it’s fundraisers or something else,” he said. “This is a great community and it’s a pleasure to work here and be with such great people.”
Bowman said the three teens arrested are friends, and appear contrite for what happened.
“They did cooperate with the investigation,” he said.
Southard, Lackey and Xiong were each given a $500 secured bond and have a first court appearance for Dec. 12.
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