Two boys caught after series of arsons in Lincoln; one caused $6,000 in damage
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Two boys accused of lighting a series of fires in a Lincoln neighborhood were caught Monday, police say.
A 9-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy were referred to juvenile court on two counts of first-degree arson and one count of third-degree arson.
The boys have since been released to their parents, according to police.
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The first arson was reported on March 27, around 6:45 p.m., near 12th and D streets.
Police said a swing set was set on fire, which spread to a nearby home and a nonprofit, causing about $6,000 in damage.
A user of the NOW Local News App uploaded a video showing the black plume of smoke.
Then on May 3, officers responded to Lincoln High School, where trash cans had been ignited.
Surveillance video showed two boys starting the fires and riding away on bicycles.
The boys were also involved in an arson outside of an apartment near 20th and G streets.
Catherine Wilken, a member of the Near South Neighborhood Association, told Channel 8 that these events definitely impact the surrounding community.
“Nothing really surprises me anymore,” she said. “We recognize human nature being what it is, especially dealing with young children. You can summarize that they’re troubled or have too much time on their hands or you can go through the list of why this may have happened. But when these things do happen, we take a caring interest and talk about them at our board.”
She said the most important thing is to offer support for the community.
“When these events happen, we take them very seriously,” she said. “But we also understand the circumstances. These kids could have been troubled, and we hope that they are getting the help that they need and the support that the parents need as well. Raising children is really a very difficult task.”
An investigation is ongoing.
