The Summit County Sheriff's Office says they've arrested five teenagers, between the ages of 16 and 19, in connection to Tuesday morning's arson fire that destroyed the Lichtenwalter Schoolhouse at Boettler Park.
It happened between 4 and 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. In addition to the fire at the schoolhouse, that was first built in 1885 and restored in 2002, investigators noticed other acts of vandalism throughout the park. They say a bathroom had been broken into on the grounds and significant damage was done inside. Also, the teens threw trash cans onto the rooftops of other buildings throughout the park.
On Thursday morning, the Sheriff's Office released that they've arrested a 16-year-old male from Springfield Township, a 16-year-old female from Springfield Township, another 16-year-old male from Akron, 18-year-old Brandyn McCroskey, and 19-year-old Matthew R. Swan, both of Springfield Township. All five are charged with fifth-degree felony breaking and entering, fifth-degree felony vandalism, and fourth-degree felony arson. Swan and McCroskey were booked into the Summit County Jail while the juveniles were transported to the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center.
Sheriff Steve Barry says he is pleased with the expedient and thorough investigation, which led to the identification and arrest of all suspects involved. City of Green Mayor Gerard Neugebauer also releasing a statement: “Thank you to the Summit County Sheriff, Green’s Fire Division and the Ohio State Fire Marshal for their quick work in finding the individuals who caused this irreparable damage to our beloved historical schoolhouse."
See more on the story from WAKR.net.