Tenn. Teen Charged with Arson at Group Home

May 28, 2014
There were 20 people in the home.

May 28--A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after authorities say he set a fire at a local group home with 20 people inside.

It happened around 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Scholze Adolescent Center at 911 Pineville Road.

Firefighters found small flames coming from a ceiling vent in one of the residential rooms, according to a news release. No injuries were reported and the loss was estimated at $500.

Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the center had three staff members and 17 teens present at the time of the fire.

The suspect was charged with aggravated arson and transported to the juvenile detention center.

Copyright 2014 - Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!