Published: May 07, 2008 02:51 pm            

Student arrested for arson in fire at Branford High

16-year-old charged

A fire that caused the evacuation of the entire Branford High School last Tuesday resulted in a 16-year-old male student's arrest, and his being charged with one count of arson of an occupied structure, according to a report from the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office. Suwannee County Sheriff Tony Cameron and school resource officer Tom Mullins were both at the scene after the fire.

According to the report, the student entered the bathroom in Building Five of the high school and set several paper towels on fire and then placed the burning paper towels in a garbage can. The student then went back to class, authorities say. The fire caused significant smoke damage to the bathroom. The defendant admitted to setting the fire, according to the report. The building was occupied by approximately 100 students and teachers.

"I am angered and appalled that a student would put the school and our students in harm's way and will take all available actions afforded under school board policy to deal with this student," BHS Principal Ted Roush said in a prepared statement. "Rest assured that behavior such as this is not a trademark of our students or of Branford High School. Anyone that would seek to damage or destroy school property does not and will not have the opportunity to attend school in our school. This type of deviant behavior must be and will be dealt with quickly, firmly, and with every effort to secure full restitution along with all of disciplinary actions that are within my power to recommend to the school board."

Added Roush, "I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Mr. Sikes, the office staff, and the many teachers that were effected today by the restroom fire in Building Five. Mr. Sike's quick response along with Mrs. Curl, Tracy Delegal, LaDon Terry and others certainly helped minimize the damage. The fire department's response as well was invaluable to us."

"The charges against this young man are very serious due to the fact the building where the fire was set was occupied," said Cameron Monday. "He has been sentenced to 21 days in the juvenile detention center in Gainesville." It is not clear whether further punishment will follow.

According to Cameron, during questioning the young man said he was very remorseful and didn't appear to realize the consequences of his actions.

As noted in last week's edition of the News, surveillance cameras played a part in locating the suspect. In addition, however, Cameron said faculty members were able to identify the arsonist through information gained from students' overheard conversations.

        

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