< Back to front page Text size – +

Youths arrested after fires set at Attleboro shrine

E-mail|Link|Comments () May 6, 2010 12:28 PM

By Stefanie Geisler, Globe Correspondent

Two sheds were destroyed and two others were severely damaged at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro Wednesday afternoon after several adolescents allegedly set them on fire, a fire official said.

The blazes were set around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Attleboro Fire Chief Ronald Churchill said.

"Apparently, several young adolescents in the age of 12 and 13 years old have been frequenting that area," Churchill said. "They decided to light one of them on fire and caught several of them on fire."

A garage on the property was also damaged, Churchill said.

The youths have been apprehended by police, Churchill said. It is unclear why the fires were allegedly set and what actions will be taken against the suspects, he added.

"Obviously, their age is a factor, and I don't know what kind of history they have with the police," Churchill said. "I think it will be determined by the court system just what kind of actions will be taken."

The small, portable buildings were used in carnivals and winter festivals at the shrine, Churchill said.

Churchill estimated the damage could reach $5,000 to $10,000.